Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is targeting a State of Origin recall for Queensland in the wake of securing his NRL future at the Dolphins until the end of 2027.
The 21-year-old, already signed until the end of 2024, inked a three-year extension on Wednesday and now wants to get back in the Maroons team where he faces competition from incumbent fullback Kalyn Ponga and Brisbane whiz Reece Walsh.
Tabuai-Fidow can play anywhere in the outside backs, which could assist him when coach Billy Slater and the selectors choose the team for the series opener on May 31 in Adelaide.
He scored a try while playing at centre in Game Three of the 2021 series, won 20-18 by the Maroons.
"That is one of my goals this year, to get back into that Origin arena and put a Queensland jersey on this year," he said.
"You've got to earn your spot. With the way Reece has been playing and when Kalyn Ponga comes back there is good competition for Bill (Slater). That drives me to be a better player each week.
"I debuted at centre in the Origin arena so if that centre spot is open I am happy to put my hand back. I just want to get back in that arena."
Tabuai-Fidow said he was delighted to secure his Dolphins future and to be playing in the No.1 jersey that he always craved.
He has scored eight tries in seven games and been one of the form players in the NRL.
When he left North Queensland at the end of last year he took himself out of his comfort zone at a club he held in high regard, but with Scott Drinkwater entrenched at fullback he had no choice.
"I was a bit nervous, and excited at the same time," he said ahead of Sunday's NRL clash with Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium.
"The big thing for me was opportunity to play my favourite position. With Wayne and the team list we have got here I was most excited.
"I am here for the next five years now and most happy about that."
Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett dangled the carrot of playing No.1 when he joined the club.
"He just said, 'I will put my trust in you' and for me to put my trust in him that I would be fullback here," he said.
"That trust since the first time I talked to him has built. You can see how I am playing. I am happy."
Tabuai-Fidow was in demand from rival codes while at school. He was in the Gold Coast Suns development academy and while at Brisbane Grammar School was in a development squad with the Queensland Reds.
He was in demand as a half-forward or centre in Aussie Rules and a fullback in rugby.
"The Suns were there and Queensland Reds as well, but growing up rugby league was my number one sport and it was my dream to play in the NRL," he said.
