The phone call came while Haumole Olakau\u2019atu was out at dinner with friends but the thanks go to two coaches shaping his Origin revival.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Discarded for the 2024 decider at Suncorp Stadium after playing Games One and Two, the right-edge back rower wasn\u2019t sure if there\u2019d be another chance.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But standing in a Blues jersey at Monday\u2019s media call at Sydney Olympic Park, Olakau\u2019atu praised Manly\u2019s Kieran Foran for reshaping his belief and NSW\u2019s Laurie Daley for showing faith.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen Loz rang me it was a wonderful feeling \u2013 a very proud moment,\u201d Olakau\u2019atu said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMy family has also been a very good support system for me… so many mixed emotions and happiness.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201c(Foran) has also helped me a lot the last month or so. When Loz called me, I first spoke to my parents but Foz was the next person I called.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI made sure he knew how much our relationship means to me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Haumole so hard to handle<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s really big on the one per cent efforts and that\u2019s something we all pride ourselves on (at Manly).\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s always emphasised being very physical and I\u2019ve tried to do that each week. He\u2019s shown great belief in me.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Daley wouldn\u2019t have needed much convincing since Olakau’atu leads the NRL in post-contact metres after 10 matches (754) and is fourth for tackle breaks (59).\u00a0<\/p>\n
The 2026 version of Olakau\u2019atu is very different to the one that played just 41 minutes in total across those two Origin games in 2024.<\/p>\n
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Inside camp: James Tedesco<\/p>\n
\u201cBesides experience I think for me as an individual it\u2019s a mindset thing,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cStarting this Origin series I really believe in myself and have that confidence to just go out there and play to the best of my ability.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The 27-year-old has scored four tries for the Sea Eagles so far in 2026 \u2013 45 in total over 119 games.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
A feature of his game is being able to run over the top of defenders, or swat them aside.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Olakau\u2019atu said nothing much goes through his mind as he receives the ball and lines up the opposition.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cNot really… I\u2019m just always going to try and do my job in the team. That\u2019s a role that got me here.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n