Kieran Foran doesn’t get to pick the NSW team, but the interim Sea Eagles coach says there’s no doubt that barnstorming back-rower Haumole Olakau’atu should be on the right edge for the Blues when the Origin series kicks off in a month.

Olakau’atu played two games off the bench for NSW in the 2024 campaign but is a more complete footballer now, with the wrecking ball coming off one of his most dominant games for Manly in their win over the Eels on Sunday.

“Without a doubt (I’d pick him for the Blues),” Foran said after the game where Olakau’atu ran for 229 metres, had 13 tackle busts and four offloads.

“In my opinion, there are great back-rowers in our game, and they’ve been doing it for a long time. But Haumole is a special player. So in my opinion, without a doubt (he should be in the team). But I’m not a selector, so it’s their team to pick.

“Haumole’s been building for some time now. He’s a different player to what he was four or five years ago when he came in. He’s grown his game each and every year.

“But you’re seeing a really mature guy now. You’re seeing a back-rower at 27 that’s played 115-odd games that has probably realised just how damaging he can be.

“For Haumole, it’s just about having that internal belief. He’s such a humble guy, he doesn’t want the external accolades, he doesn’t want all the stuff that comes with it.

“But inside, he just needs to know how good he can be. He’s playing like that. As I said, if he’s doing that for us, we’re in with a chance.

“He’s been unbelievable all year. Haumole is such a special player. I can’t speak highly enough of this guy. I think the sky’s the limit for him as a footballer.

“I think he’s just got something that not many players have got, and you’re seeing that in his performances.”

Olakau’atu has been in terrific form since Foran took over a month ago, with the rookie coach giving him the confidence to go after games instead of waiting for the contest to come to him.

It’s why his name has been mentioned for a possible Origin return, with Olakau’atu held to just two carries in his last appearance for the Blues in 2024.

“Everything went by so fast, so quick (in that game),” Olakau’atu said.

“But the one thing I learned was just to not wait for the game to go past me. Origin is all about big moments and if you get that opportunity to run on that field at that level, you’ve got to create something or nail your moments.

“I do hear it (the Origin hype). It pops up on socials every now and then, and I try not to focus on it too much.

“My role is solely on Manly and trying to get Manly some wins. I feel like I’ve been doing that the last two weeks.

“Every kid’s dream is to play NRL, let alone playing the highest level of rugby league. If I get that opportunity, or whatever it may be, I’ll take it with both hands and try to make the best out of that.”

Olakau’atu talked up Bulldogs forward Jacob Preston as his biggest threat for the starting spot on the right with Liam Martin out injured, with Angus Crichton and Hudson Young fighting it out for the other spot.

Crichton is an Origin veteran and would love to see the Sea Eagles star get another crack.

“We’ve got so many good back-rowers, so they’ve got so many great options,” the Roosters star said.

“I watched the game yesterday as well, he’s been playing some really, really good footy.

“He’s an absolute legend of a guy as well, and if he gets an opportunity then he’s more than ready to go. I love playing with Haumole and I love hanging out with him too.”

Originally published as ‘Sky’s the limit’: Incredible run of form has teammates, rivals and coaches calling for Haumole Olakau’atu to make his Origin return