NSW enforcer Haumole Olakau’atu admits his decision to join a wild sideline melee from off the bench during the Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium in 2024 was “silly”.
“But at the same time, I also got a lot of love for it,” Olakau’atu said.
“At that moment it was something I had to do. I’m sure any player in my position would have done the same if they were playing for the sky-blue jersey. But it was also a pretty silly decision.”
Olakau’atu was hit with a two-match suspension for involving himself in a scrap that featured half a dozen Maroons players bullying NSW winger Brian To’o during Origin III in 2024.
Replays showed Olakau’atu, who was dressed in a suit jacket and chinos as the Blues’ 19th man, charging towards the melee and trying to drag a Queensland player away.
He was later ordered from the bench during the game and banned from entering the field to celebrate the Blues’ rare win on Queensland turf at full-time.
Olakau’atu told this masthead he had simply been “helping a brother out” – and that his willingness to back up his teammates had not been forgotten by NSW players nor those watching at home that night, including his Manly coach Kieran Foran.
“He’s such a team player, and he wants to look after the boys,” Foran said on Tuesday. “He’s the ultimate team man, and he’s an enforcer as well. Opposition players fear him. He’s such an intimidating figure on the field. He’s a wonderful athlete who has that wonderful blend of aggression and athleticism.
“I’m so happy him and Tolu [Koula] have made the NSW side. They deserve it so much. They’ve been building the last few years, and it’s great to see them rewarded with such a prestigious opportunity.
“They’re exceptional footballers, and great human beings.”
Olakau’atu and Koula praised the effect Foran has had on their games since being parachuted into the caretaker coaching role at the Sea Eagles after three games.
“Foz has helped not only myself but Tolu be the best versions of ourselves,” Olakau’atu said. “When ‘Loz’ [Blues coach Laurie Daley] called me on Sunday night, I called my parents, then my second call was to Foz. He told me he was very proud of me, and there was nobody more deserving. I appreciated his kind words.”
Olakau’atu played two games off the bench for the Blues in 2024, but next Wednesday will be his starting debut on the right edge.
Koula will play on the left wing, and Foran backed the 23-year-old to take the positional switch in his stride despite the speedster spending the bulk of his time at left centre in clubland.
“If anything, moving to the wing will simplify the decision-making a little bit more – they certainly won’t get around him, good luck with that,” Foran said.
Daley added: “What [Foran] has done with both those players has been unbelievable. I trust Kieran. I didn’t need any convincing picking them, but it certainly helped when you have a bloke like him saying, ‘Pick them’.”
