Todd Payten applauded teen Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow's performance filling in at fullback in the Cowboys' loss to the Roosters, but admits the club faces a unique challenge in managing the Origin debutant through the rest of the season.
Tabuai-Fidow, 19, starred in his maiden call up for the Maroons in Wednesday's thrilling 20-18 Origin III win, before a dazzling display for the Cowboys against the Roosters at fullback replacing the injured Valentine Holmes.
The Cairns product scored a scintillating long-range try to go along with 261 run metres, two linebreaks and six tackle-breaks in a performance that gave Cowboys fans a sample of his ability in his favoured position, having mostly played centre since debuting last season.
Tabuai-Fidow was unable to inspire a Cowboys win, as the Roosters ran home with a 32-18 victory late in the second half, confining Payten's side to their fifth straight loss as hopes of a finals finish slowly diminish.
But after the week the young talent had on Origin duties, Tabuai-Fidow's performance was a silver lining for Payten.
"I thought he was really strong for us," the Cowboys coach said after the loss.
"It was a big week for him to back up from an Origin, so that's a first for him. I thought he was pretty flat yesterday at training, he didn't talk much, but he got through and needed to get his body right again.
"My message for him was simple today, we just wanted him around the ball.
"I thought he did a really good job with our (defensive) line organisation as well.
"I hope he improves again."
With Holmes sidelined with an AC joint injury for at least the next three weeks, Payten said he will rely on Tabuai-Fidow, who's now played 24 NRL games, to continue in his preferred fullback role.
Although he admits the club faces a challenge in managing the young star's energy levels over the course of the back-end of the season, despite the desperate nature of the Cowboys' run home to the finals.
"It's always a challenge, he's a young kid, he's 19 and he's played the biggest game of his life," Payten added.
"It's emotionally draining, not just physically but I think with all the hype around him and around the game, it's going to be a challenge for him.
"We will look after him, maybe not this week but definitely moving forward after his next round we've got a longer week and we'll make sure he's getting enough rest and recovery."
