Revealed: Why Queensland star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow was wearing a VERY flashy decoration as his teammates looked crushed after their big loss to NSW

While his Queensland teammates looked shattered in the dressing room after their loss to NSW on Wednesday night, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow was spotted wearing a flashy decoration that’s more usually associated with winning sides.

The 22-year-old Dolphins star seemed to pick up a shoulder injury while being dragged into the in-goal shortly before the Blues’ first try, but returned to score a try in the 38-18 defeat.

Following the thumping New South Wales Victory, the 22-year-old could be seen in the Queensland sheds with his teammates wearing a colourful Polynesian candy lei around his neck in Maroon colours.

The leis, which were also worn by Panthers players after the 2023 NRL grand final, reflect Tabuai-Fidow’s heritage.

It is well-known that the Queenslander has an an Indigenous Australian Torres Strait Islander mother, but he also has strong Polynesian roots thanks to his Samoan father.

Tabuai-Fidow enjoys showcasing his culture, with his signature shark celebration that he unveiled during the Indigenous round in 2021 being a nod to his totem animal.

Leis – or garlands – have been a part of Polynesian culture since for long as anybody can remember.

In Samoa, the lei is called an ‘asoa’ or ‘ula’, in Tahiti, it’s ‘hei’, Cook Islands it’s ‘ei’, in Fiji ‘salusalu’, Hawaii ‘lei’, in Tonga it’s ‘kahoa’.

Penrith stars wore Polynesian candy leis around the necks after their grand final victory over the Broncos last year

Different leis are made for all sorts of special occasions.

They are given during weddings, birthdays and graduations, and are also handed over as a sign of affection, friendship or appreciation.

The candy leis are particularly popular in Tonga and Samoa, and are intricately woven together with ribbons, cellophane and lollies.

Queensland will be hoping ‘The Hammer’ returns in time for the July 17 Origin decider in Brisbane, where he will be vital to their chances.

Coach Billy Slater said it was too early to tell how serious the shoulder injury is.

Queensland fans will be hoping ‘The Hammer’ is healthy for the July 17 Origin decider

‘I wouldn’t have a clue,’ Slater said at the press conference.

‘I think he has picked up an AC (joint) injury. 

‘It was a tough effort for him to get back out there. He obviously wasn’t 100 per cent but he knew the team needed him.’