The rugby league world went into shock on Tuesday morning when NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley announced that Haumole Olakau’atu would not be taking part in Game 2 of the 2026 State of Origin series.
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Starting in the Blues’ series-opener victory, not only was the back-rower dropped from the starting side, but he was dropped from the team altogether and relegated to being on the extended reserves.
This is despite the Blues winning Game 1 and Olakau’atu having a sensational match last week against the South Sydney Rabbitohs which saw many expecting him to retain his place in the line-up.
The surprising call immediately sparked debate among fans and pundits over the reason for his axing.
“There’s been a number of theories discussed today because this is a significant call because you win an Origin game and Loz decides to drop his starting back-rower,” Code Sports reporter David Riccio said on NRL 360.
“One was about Haumaole’s kick chase efforts. We had a look at those and that was one of the better components of Haumole’s game.
“My understanding is it’s the effort areas off the ball and that when the Blues didn’t have the ball and were in defensive mode, the Queenslanders would go and attack his side of the field.
“If not, at him players around him before moving away and coming back to his side.”
Daley questioned on big Olakau’atu call | 01:31
Arriving in camp on Monday in the 21-man squad, reports from multiple publications indicated that he was under the assumption that he would be playing in Game 2.
But that belief was shattered less than 24 hours later when Laurie Daley informed him that he had been overlooked for Dylan Lucas in the starting side and overlooked altogether for a place on the interchange bench.
“What surprised me is that Olakauatu is completely out of the squad. He’s the extra man now,” foxsports.com.au’s Paul Crawley added.
“That shocked me and that shocked a lot of people because he has been the game’s best back-rower this year.
“He’s an absolute weapon. He played for Manly the other day and made 260 metres.”
Loz opens up on his role for Strange | 02:25
Another theory behind his axing that presented itself was that he struggled with the Blues’ training loads and schedule.
“The other element to this and this is a common discussion point for every club when they send their players into Origin camps, is how that training load differs to our players.
“Haumole is a big man and the Manly Sea Eagles runs a program that has to suit Haumole and is specific to him.
“The Blues don’t run the same program. Two days out before a game Manly don’t train. Two days out before Origin play, the Blues train.”
The axing of Olakau’atu also attracted the attention of Sea Eagles coach Kieran Foran, who questioned Daley’s decision to dump him from the 19-man squad.
“I’m extremely disappointed for Haumole and I wouldn’t want any other back rower in the game other than him,” Foran told News Corp.
“He is a true professional Haumole and he will be a team player. He will do whatever is needed for his side and his state.”