Dolphins star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is understood to have set his asking price at a stunning $1.4 million per year in his next deal in a move that will make him one of the game's highest-paid players.

While it emerged recently Sam Walker had asked for $1.7 million, and Nathan Cleary is set to be offered as much as $1.5 million if he arrives on November 1 without a deal locked in, Tabuai-Fidow is set to join the upper echelon of players in the game.

The star fullback, who plays centre at representative level for Queensland, and will likely turn out for Samoa at this year's World Cup, has become one of the Dolphins best, but his asking price will lock in his status.

News Corp are reporting the Dolphins want to retain their fullback, but will need to be drawn in to the big-money battle if they want to, with the increase representing about $400,000 per year above his asking price.

It's understood preliminary talks have kicked off, but there is no clear timeline on when it may be a locked in deal.

The Dolphins are playing one of the NRL's biggest salary cap juggling games.

While the Penrith Panthers are the team commonly in the headlights of this discussion, the Dolphins have an enormous number of players coming off-contract at the end of 2027, all likely wanting upgrades.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is joined by Herbie Farnworth, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Selwyn Cobbo, Jack Bostock and others.

WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - JULY 31: Selwyn Cobbo of the Dolphins makes a break and scores a try during the round 22 NRL match between St George Illawarra Dragons and Dolphins at WIN Stadium, on July 31, 2026, in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)
WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - JULY 31: Selwyn Cobbo of the Dolphins makes a break and scores a try during the round 22 NRL match between St George Illawarra Dragons and Dolphins at WIN Stadium, on July 31, 2026, in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)

All four of those players are in line for pay increases, with it understood Cobbo is already negotiating an $800,000 per year deal.

Any of the group who arrive on November 1 without a deal will be the target of poaching raids from other clubs.

Halfback Isaiya Katoa, who is not off-contract at the end of 2027, indicated the group had discussed keeping the team together rather than chasing top dollar, with the club in the top four this year and set to play their first finals series.

Tabuai-Fidow, for his part, has expressed on multiple occassions, and again this week, that he doesn't want to go anywhere, but the nature of the business will ultimately dictate his future.