Returning Blues back-rower Haumole Olakau’atu has revealed what NSW coach Laurie Daley told him after his shock axing from game two of State of Origin.
The Manly star was left out of the series-levelling loss to Queensland to the surprise of most observers, with reports suggesting it was down to a lack of effort at times.
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“We spoke to Haumole when he didn’t make game two about what we were looking for and since then, he’s gone back and played well for his club and done what we’ve asked him to do – it’s more about that,” Daley said on Monday.
“Those conversations are private – if Haumole wants to tell you, he can tell you – but as a coach, I wouldn’t like to do that,.
“He knew where we were and what we needed to see. It’s been a good response from him and he’s handled it really well.”
Olakau’atu was willing to confirm the coach’s criticism was around kick-chase and defensive efforts – and he thinks it was valid.
Haumole Olakau’atu of the Blues looks on during game one of the 2026 Men’s State of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and Queensland Maroons at Accor Stadium on May 27, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“I’m not going to lie and say I didn’t go back and watch that game, it was the first thing I did,” Olakau’atu told Code Sports.
“I wanted to see what I did well in that game and the things I had to improve on.
“I had to take a good hard look at myself and fix those little effort areas up.
“Laurie was straight with me about it. He just said there were a couple of back to back effort areas that I lacked during the game.
“He wasn’t wrong.
“I feel like I have done that over the last couple of weeks. Loz has been happy with my performances lately so I’m pretty happy to be back in this squad and rewarded for my efforts.
“I’m going to go out there and give it my all.”
He added, speaking with the SMH: “It was all about effort areas, the back-to-back efforts, and going after my defence.
“That’s something I’ve gone after and have tried to nail down the past couple of weeks.
“‘Loz’ told me he was very happy with my last couple of weeks in terms of that effort. I tried not to dwell on (game two), and all I could try and do was come out and play consistent footy. Wherever Loz wants me, I’m prepared to do it next week.”
Daley backs Haumole to make big impact | 00:22
There was so much chatter around the decision Olakau’atu told his family to stay off social media for a period.
“I tried to stay away from all that,” he told Code Sports.
“The more I see it, the more it plays around with my head. So, I wanted to put it behind me and not dwell about it too much.
“I told my family just don’t go on social media and spend anytime looking or listening to it. Don’t let it get to you.
“Obviously, they were disappointed for me but I think they dealt with it pretty well.
“Like me, they accepted it and were good about moving on from it.
“But of course, they are also so happy that I am back here and have been rewarded.”