If Haumole Olakau’atu makes the NSW Origin team, one of the first people he should thank is Tonga coach Kristian Woolf.
As the powerhouse back-rower gets another golden opportunity to audition for Blues coach Brad Fittler on Sunday afternoon, when Manly take on the Wests Tigers, Olakau’atu says a wake-up call at last year’s World Cup has been the catalyst for his career-best form in 2023.
The 24-year-old treated the World Cup like a Contiki tour, dropping his standards off the field and at training, and ultimately being punished. Olakau’atu played in Tonga’s first game against Papua New Guinea, but was soon relegated to 18th man before being omitted from the squad altogether.
The snub made Olakau’atu realise he could not take anything for granted, and thanked Woolf for setting him straight.
Not only did the tough Tongan treatment inspire Olakau’atu to drop seven kilograms during the off-season, it made him more determined to realise his potential.
As for what went down in the north of England at the World Cup, Olakau’atu said: “I wasn’t playing at my best, I was pretty heavy, and I was also being a bit childish up there. I took things for granted.
Tongan international Haumole Olakau’atu is right in the NSW Origin mix.Credit: Getty Images
“‘Woolfy’ is a big believer in whatever you do at training transfers into games. I was too childish at training and off the field. You’re away and with your mates, things would go in one ear and straight out the other. I take full responsibility for that.”
Olakau’atu, who crunched Justin Olam last week in a tackle that grabbed plenty of attention in the NRL, has improved his game defensively and looks made for State of Origin.
Manly teammate Josh Aloiai, who featured in the same Olam tackle, said several Sea Eagles were already tempted to book their tickets to Adelaide to watch Olakau’atu unleashed against Queensland in Origin I.
“There’s no way they can’t pick him,” Aloiai said. “We’ve all been talking about us boys heading to Adelaide to support him. He’s built for it. He’s tough, he’s mentally tough, aggressive, won’t take a backward step and gets intimidated by nobody.
Cop that … Haumole Olakau’atu and Josh Aloiai flatten Melbourne’s Justin Olam.Credit: SMH
“He’s the perfect Origin player.”
Aaron Woods, the Manly recruit who played 14 Origin games for the Blues, said: “NSW wouldn’t lose out if they get big ‘Smiley’ in there.”
The Blues’ back-row options are starting to thin, with Liam Martin battling hamstring issues, Angus Crichton only returning to the NRL on Tuesday after a mental health break, and bolter Keaon Koloamatangi sidelined by an ankle injury.
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