Hammer blow as Dolphins absentees continue to stack up

Injured Dolphins No.1 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (c) sits on the bench during Friday’s loss to Brisbane.

The Dolphins have been rocked by injury and suspension already this season and a grade two hamstring tear to star fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has only compounded their problems.

Adding to those tales of woe, utility Anthony Milford was charged with dangerous contact by the match review committee for a late, needless hit on Broncos fullback Reece Walsh in the Dolphins’ 28-14 loss on Friday night.

The grade two charge means Milford will be suspended for two weeks with a guilty plea.

Queensland representative Tabuai-Fidow could be out until round 13.

The man known as ‘Hammer’ left the field in the 21st minute of Friday night’s clash at Suncorp Stadium.

Five-eighth Kodi Nikorima, who replaced him at fullback, exited late with a calf injury.

Performance chief Jeremy Hickmans said Tabuai-Fidow had scans on Saturday.

“Hamiso has a grade two tear of his hamstring and that means he will be out at least four weeks and could be as much as six weeks,” Hickmans said.

“The injury is in not too bad a spot, but a player of his speed will have to be carefully rehabilitated.”

The Dolphins have already lost Maroons forward Tom Gilbert for the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Utility Kurt Donoghoe is suspended until round eight, while second-rower Felise Kaufusi (hamstring) and England centre Herbie Farnworth (shoulder) won’t be available for Friday’s clash with Parramatta in Darwin.

Second-rower Connelly Lemuelu (knee) is not expected back for a fortnight, while Maroons prop Thomas Flegler (shoulder) is also in doubt to face the Eels.

The Dolphins went through similar issues with injury and suspension last year and captain Jesse Bromwich said they would have to find a way to cope with the strain once again.

“It’s just a next-man-up mentality. We are used to handling a bit of adversity,” he said.

“We will be looking to keep doing that. We get (lock) Max Plath back next week (from suspension) so I am looking forward to him injecting some energy.”

If Nikorima is available next week he will likely start at No.6 so Bennett will have to find a replacement for Tabuai-Fidow.

“Kodi had a bit of problem going into the game but I think he will be okay (against the Eels),” Bennett said.

“I’ve got centres (Tesi Niu and Jake Averillo) who can play fullback. I’m not sure what the best option is right now.”