Kieran Foran doesn\u2019t get to pick the NSW team, but the interim Sea Eagles coach says there\u2019s no doubt that barnstorming back-rower Haumole Olakau\u2019atu should be on the right edge for the Blues when the Origin series kicks off in a month.<\/p>\n
Olakau\u2019atu 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout a doubt (I\u2019d pick him for the Blues),\u201d Foran said after the game where Olakau\u2019atu ran for 229 metres, had 13 tackle busts and four offloads.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn my opinion, there are great back-rowers in our game, and they\u2019ve 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\u2019m not a selector, so it\u2019s their team to pick.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaumole\u2019s been building for some time now. He\u2019s a different player to what he was four or five years ago when he came in. He\u2019s grown his game each and every year. <\/p>\n
\u201cBut you\u2019re seeing a really mature guy now. You\u2019re seeing a back-rower at 27 that\u2019s played 115-odd games that has probably realised just how damaging he can be. <\/p>\n
\u201cFor Haumole, it\u2019s just about having that internal belief. He\u2019s such a humble guy, he doesn\u2019t want the external accolades, he doesn\u2019t want all the stuff that comes with it. <\/p>\n
\u201cBut inside, he just needs to know how good he can be. He\u2019s playing like that. As I said, if he\u2019s doing that for us, we\u2019re in with a chance.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s been unbelievable all year. Haumole is such a special player. I can\u2019t speak highly enough of this guy. I think the sky\u2019s the limit for him as a footballer. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think he\u2019s just got something that not many players have got, and you\u2019re seeing that in his performances.\u201d<\/p>\n
Olakau\u2019atu 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. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s why his name has been mentioned for a possible Origin return, with Olakau\u2019atu held to just two carries in his last appearance for the Blues in 2024. <\/p>\n
\u201cEverything went by so fast, so quick (in that game),\u201d Olakau\u2019atu said. <\/p>\n
\u201cBut 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\u2019ve got to create something or nail your moments.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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. <\/p>\n
\u201cMy role is solely on Manly and trying to get Manly some wins. I feel like I\u2019ve been doing that the last two weeks.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery kid\u2019s 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\u2019ll take it with both hands and try to make the best out of that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Olakau\u2019atu 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. <\/p>\n
Crichton is an Origin veteran and would love to see the Sea Eagles star get another crack. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got so many good back-rowers, so they\u2019ve got so many great options,\u201d the Roosters star said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI watched the game yesterday as well, he\u2019s been playing some really, really good footy. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s an absolute legend of a guy as well, and if he gets an opportunity then he\u2019s more than ready to go. I love playing with Haumole and I love hanging out with him too.\u201d<\/p>\n