No more sitting back: Big O storms to front of Blues queue

If Manly back-rower Haumole Olakau’atu has another chance at Origin he is going to apply the same attitude he’s used to instill fear in opposition teams across the NRL. 

“The first month of the season I kind of sat back and waited for the game to come to me,” he said. 

“It’s a bit different the last month. I’ve been given a role. A job from Foz (coach Kieran Foran) to try to insert myself into the game earlier. 

“I’ve been doing that the past month and I’m happy with myself.” 

That philosophy has helped the Sea Eagles to a four-match winning streak and was brazenly on show at 4 Pines Park in the 33-18 win over Parramatta. 

No surprises Olakau’atu topped everyone in most areas making 22 runs for 226 metres, 98 of those post-contact, alongside nine tackle busts and four offloads. 

In defence his 20 tackles left more than a few Eels sprawled on the turf, just ask Eels lock Dylan Walker. 

He earned an early shower from Foran in the 73rd minute. But he must have also attracted attention from NSW coach Laurie Daley. 

The Tongan international made two appearances for the Blues off the bench in the 2024 series win under coach Michael Maguire but was overlooked last year. 

Olakau’atu can’t escape the chatter about a return to Origin in 2026. 

“It pops up on social now and then, but I try not to focus too much on it. 
“My role is solely on Manly and try to get some wins. And I feel like I’ve been doing that the past few weeks," he said.

For his part Foran made no secret of his admiration of the Olakau’atu skills. 

“He’s been unbelievable. Haumole is such a special player. I can’t speak highly enough of this guy,” Foran said. 

“I think the sky is the limit for him as a footballer, I honestly do. He’s just got something that not many players have got. 

“When he’s carrying the footy like that and he’s going after the game defensively like that, we’re going to be in the contest more times than not.” 

Olakau’atu plays on Manly’s right edge and was gracious enough to say that if he didn’t make the Origin squad for Game One on May 27 then Bulldog Jacob Preston would be the man for the job.

Penrith’s Liam Martin was the player wearing that jersey in 2025 but is recovering from a knee injury. 

Olakau’atu has three quality teams to prove his own worth with the Panthers, Broncos and Wests Tigers down as Manly’s opponents over the next three weeks before Origin teams are named. 

“It was kind of my mentality this week,” the 27-year-old said of his preparation for the Eels. 

"Being vice-captain and try to help Jake (Trbojevic) lead the team physically.  
“I had a conversation with Jake and Foz earlier in the week and my job is pretty clear. 

“My job is to back up Jake and challenge the opposition physically I feel like I did that.”