Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow says an inaugural roasting from coach Wayne Bennett was the spark for a man-of-the-match display in the 38-0 win over St George Illawarra.
The dynamic No.1 scored a hat-trick for the first time in his NRL career at Redcliffe on Sunday night, and saved a certain try when he beat opposite number Tyrell Sloan in a chase back to his own line.
The 23-year-old Queensland and Australian representative, known universally as 'Hammer', had come under pressure after a poor display in the 43-18 loss to North Queensland in round one.
Bennett was furious with the performance of Tabuai-Fidow, but delighted with the response.
"It was a bit hard from Wayne," Tabuai-Fidow said .
"He obviously wasn't happy with my performance."
Of his first spray from the coach, he added: "It was the first - but I took it as a positive to work on my game and get back to myself.
"It was a good performance by myself against the Dragons and I am not going to stop there. I have to keep it going."
The Maroons flyer is at his best when he is enjoying himself and Sunday night was no different.
"I came into this week pretty switched on to get back to myself and get out there and have fun," he said.
"This week was hard for us but ... it shows how my performance turns out when I am enjoying myself.
"It is so good to get the win and to score those tries. The boys are playing for each other and that is such a confidence boost for us."
Tabuai-Fidow also outpointed impressive Dragons fullback Sloan.
Sloan made two line breaks and almost scored after a kick through but Tabuai-Fidow beat him to the ball to save a try in a foot race.
"I go out there and I try to beat my opposition number, " Tabuai-Fidow said.
Bennett just wants Tabuai-Fidow's form to continue.
“It just says how much talent he has got. We just want to see that," the coach said.
“I don’t know why he played like he did last week and I don’t know why he played like he did this week ... so he’s the key to it.”
Dolphins captain Jesse Bromwich was also impressed, adding: “He is obviously very talented but the way he was able to turn his performance around from last week to this week, I am really proud of him.
"He did a really good job. Some things he does I just sit back and think, ‘I wish I could do that’."
