Manly Sea Eagles interim coach Kieran Foran had nothing but praise for back-rower Haumole Olakau’atu after he delivered an “unbelievable” performance in their victory against the Parramatta Eels.
One of the main reasons behind the Sea Eagles’ stunning turnaround, which has seen them win four consecutive matches, Olakau’atu has taken his game to new heights since the appointment of Foran.
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A devastating ball-runner on the edge and equally instrumental in defence, as shown by his tackle on Dylan Walker, which saw him leave the field, the back-rower has turned into one of the elite forwards in the NRL.
Continually delivering consistent showings, he had arguably had his best match of this year’s campaign, which saw him finish with over 200 running metres, seven tackles, four offloads and 14 tackles.
“He’s been unbelievable all year. Haumole is such a special player. I can’t speak highly enough of this guy,” Foran said after the Sea Eagles won their first match at home this season.
“I think the sky’s the limit for him, I honestly do, as a footballer. I think he’s just got something that not many players have got and you see that in his performances.
“He’s just got to keep doing what he’s doing because when he’s carrying the footy for us like that and he’s going after the game defensively like that, we’re going to be in the contest more times than not.
“His performances at the moment are very specials and we absolutely love what he’s bringing to the table at the moment.”
Da Silva binned for reckless tackle | 00:34
Representing the NSW Blues in two matches during the 2024 State of Origin series, Foran urged selectors to pick him for this year’s series and believes he has all the qualities to make the squad.
This comes as Jacob Preston has been pressing his case for Origin selection at the Canterbury Bulldogs.
Meanwhile, incumbent squad members Angus Crichton (Roosters), Hudson Young (Raiders) and Liam Martin (Panthers) will also be under consideration.
“Without a doubt (he should be picked for the NSW Blues). In my opinion, I don’t think anyone’s (better than him in his position),” Foran said.
“There’s great back-rower’s here in our game, there’s no doubt about that. I’ve been doing it for a long time but Haumole’s a special player.
“So in my opinion, without a doubt but I’m not a selector.”
Pictured is Haumole Olakau’atu at a Manly Sea Eagles NRL team training session held at the NRL Centre of Excellence at Sydney Olympic Park. Picture: Richard DobsonSource: News Corp Australia
The Manly Sea Eagles interim coach continued, “He’s a different player than what he was four or five years ago when he came in. He’s growing his game each and every year, but you’re just seeing a real mature guy now.”
“You’re seeing a back-rower who’s sort of 27 and played 115-odd games. He’s probably realised just how damaging he can be and 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 insdie he just needs to know how good he can be.
“He’s playing like that. If he’s doing that for us we’re in with a chance.”
Da Silva binned for reckless tackle | 00:34
“He’s come leaps and bounds. His leadership has been unreal. He’s just going after the contest,” stand-in captain Jake Trbojevic added.
“You just said 21 carries, you know what I mean? He just wants it. That’s what we want as need a leader like that and he’s doing a great job.”