Tabuai-Fidow returned the compliment and hailed Hannay as the man who gave him the template and belief to achieve his goal.
Tabuai-Fidow, known as 'Hammer', showcased his famous flair to score two tries and run for a team-high 147m in the 26-18 win in Adelaide.
There were no surprises there. His second match turning try to give the Maroons the late lead, where he burned NSW skipper James Tedesco on a weaving run, was sublime.
The Dolphins fullback, playing in a position he has not lined up in this year, made 15 tackles and missed none.
Early in the match he cut down Blues danger man Trbojevic one-on-one to save a try.
"I knew what Turbo (Trbojevic) was capable of but I backed myself to shut him down and I have to thank Josh Hannay for that," Tabuai-Fidow told AAP.
"Josh played centre himself and he knew it was a new combination for us on our left side with (second-rower) Dave Fifita, Munny (No.6 Cameron Munster) and Muz (winger Murray Taulagi). We needed to combine straight away.
"Josh gave us a lot of confidence during the week that we could do the job and on a personal level he gave me the belief that I could put all our principles into action."
Hannay was an outstanding centre for Queensland and throughout his NRL career. His nous as a coach is now reaping rewards for the Maroons.
"I just gave Hammer simple cues and details. I thought if he could stay consistent with the way he moved out there he would be able to handle the assignment, which was a big one," Hannay told AAP.
"The key to any edge defence is the people around you. I thought Murray Taulagi was enormous outside him and Cameron Munster was fantastic inside him.
"That helped Hammer, but he just gets it. He understands what he has to do and does it. He is a pleasure to coach."
Hannay said Tabuai-Fidow would forever be remembered for his 73rd minute try that turned the game
"Rightfully so, but defensively he looked like a world class defensive centre," Hannay said.
"That is a credit to him. It is not a position he plays regularly but it speaks volumes about his talent. He can process information and deliver."
Tabuai-Fidow was still buzzing about his second try hours after full-time.
"The first one was great but the second was awesome with the game on the line," he said.
"I feel like I am a big moment player and can break a game open. I have that confidence in myself from clubland.
"Making the move to the Dolphins (from North Queensland) has been a big thing. Wayne (Bennett) backs me to play my style of footy and I enjoy it."Â
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