The mistake driving Olakau'atu's redemption mission
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Haumole Olakau'atu has opened up on the disappointment of missing out on the Blues 2024 State of Origin celebrations as he chases redemption on Wednesday night.
The back-rower was a member of NSW's wider squad for the 2024 decider but was banished to the dressing sheds after getting involved in a sideline melee. That saw Olakau'atu forced to watch the remainder of the match on a TV in the change rooms.
Adding to the disappointment, he was not permitted back on the field for the post-game celebrations and could not join the team as captain Jake Trbojevic hoisted the State of Origin shield.
Things are heating up
It's a moment Olakau'atu is not proud of, with the edge forward desperate to atone for his error when he returns to Suncorp Stadium for Wednesday's decider.
"It definitely happened fast," Olakau'atu said. "It's not something I want to do again, but if it does happen I won't back down. I'm glad it's all over and in the past and something I won't ever do again.
"You have a backs-against-the-wall feeling going up there. You know you're against all adds given where you're playing. It's cool having your brothers there to back you and it's a pretty surreal feeling."
While sitting in the sheds for the final 50 minutes, Olakau'atu watched as Bradman Best scored an iconic Origin try to put the Blues in front before Mitchell Moses sealed a famous victory on enemy territory.
It was NSW's first win in a decider at Suncorp Stadium since 2005 and has provided inspiration for the current squad as they look to recreate history next week.
While cautious not to endorse Olakau'atu's actions at Suncorp Stadium two years ago, the NSW players have praised the forward's desire to support his teammates in the heat of the battle.
It's a team-first mentality captain Isaah Yeo is confident will hold the punishing back-rower in good stead next week.
"It shows the passion of Origin," Yeo said. "In a decider up there, everything's heightened. Emotions are heightened and that triggers not just the players on the field but everyone on the benches and the staff."
Olakau'atu's return to Suncorp comes after an eventful couple of months that saw the back-rower star in Game One of this year's series before being controversially dropped for the second match in Melbourne.
The age returns to the NSW side on the six-man bench and shapes as the Blues game-breaker in the second half on Wednesday night.
A timely double for Haumole Olakau'atu ahead of Origin III
NSW coach Laurie Daley's decision to drop Olakau'atu was his most controversial selection for the second match, but the Blues have been impressed with the back-rower's attitude and ability to take the disappointment in his stride.
He will carry that mindset into the decider as he looks to break the game open once injected into the contest next week.
"There were some back-to-back effort areas that, I agree with him, were a bit scratchy [in Origin I]," Olakau'atu said.
"He told me, 'Just go back to club level and just work on those' and I feel like I've done that. He's rewarded me and I'm happy to be back.
"On Wednesday I'm just going to be myself, try and bring the energy and impact off the bench when the boys need us."
