It was the monster hit felt by Justin Olam, and no doubt caused plenty of concern for every Queensland Origin hopeful.
Haumole Olakau’atu flattened Olam on Friday night with a bruising shot still being discussed in league land four days later.
Olakau’atu told the Herald he could not recall making a bigger tackle in his short career, and made a point of praising Manly teammate Josh Aloiai for causing just as much damage to the Storm centre.
Maroons legend Johnathan Thurston said during TV commentary on the night, “I’m glad I’m retired”, while former enforcer Willie Mason labelled the tackle “one of the best hits I’ve seen” on social media.
“I’m not taking credit, it was actually Josh Aloiai who did the hit, I just came in to help,” a smiling Olakau’atu said on Tuesday.
“I remember watching the replay after the game and I had to pinch myself. He [Olam] is so hard to tackle. For him to go off like that, it felt pretty good.
Cop that … Haumole Olakau’atu and Josh Aloiai flatten Melbourne’s Justin Olam.Credit: SMH
“The one thing my dad always tells me when I take the field is, ‘Respect the opposition, but show no fear’. That’s something I always take with me onto the field.
“I know Joshy is always practising on the pads. I always go low, I know Joshy starts low and then launches himself up. I’m also stronger with my left shoulder, and Josh is stronger with his right.
“I saw Justin after the game and we congratulated each other. There was nothing said [about the tackle]. We wished each other the best for the rest of the season.
“But that will go down as one of mine and Joshy’s best hits.”
Tongan international Haumole Olakau’atu is right in the NSW Origin mix.Credit: Getty Images
Olakau’atu has rocketed into NSW Origin calculations, especially with fellow back-rowers Liam Martin battling ongoing hamstring issues, the uncertainty over Angus Crichton’s availability, and now Keaon Koloamatangi, another NSW bolter, out with an ankle injury.
The 24-year-old would love to be unleashed against Queensland, and said: “I want to play good consistent footy for Manly, and then hopefully I get the call-up. I’d be ready.”
New Sea Eagles teammate and former Origin prop Aaron Woods said of Olakau’atu’s Origin credentials: “He’s definitely ready. He’s not just that big forward who runs over people, he knows his footy. He can run good angles, he’s a good talker, and defensively – the hits he’s pulling off … that tackle the other night, you never see Justin Olam get whacked.
“I was on the sideline and had a perfect view of it. That tackle set the tone for the match. I thought we’d get penalised because Justin got up and he was rattled. But it was just from the whiplash of the tackle. It was a great hit from the boys.
“I remember playing against him once when we were up in Brisbane in the [COVID] bubble and you could hear his hits even louder because there was no crowd.
“NSW wouldn’t lose out if they get big ‘Smiley’ in there.”
The Sea Eagles were physically brutal against Melbourne and will look to back it up against the winless Wests Tigers on Sunday. Woods started at the Tigers and was keen to return this year, only for the club to pass. The man with Leichhardt’s 2040 postcode inked on his body made a mid-season move from St George Illawarra to the northern beaches.
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