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FWC: BEL v IRN, live 6.45am Monday'It's up to Loz': axed Origin star hoping for recall
Margie McDonald, AAP •  June 21st, 2026 11:30 am
Dropped by NSW, Haumole Olakau'atu turned in his usual big game for Manly against Canterbury | Photo: Steven Markham/AAP
Haumole Olakau'atu feels the door hasn't been shut on his hopes to play for NSW in the State of Origin series decider.
The 27-year-old back rower broke his silence on being demoted to the extended bench for Origin game two at the MCG after playing his usual strong part for Manly in a nail-biting 13-12 loss to the Bulldogs on Saturday night.
The Tonga international acknowledged the pressure he'd been under due to his change in fortunes with NSW, relegated from the starting 13 for game one to jersey No.20.
"I think I've handled it pretty well," Olakau'atu said. "I tried not to dwell on it too much.
Haumole Olakau'atu tried to put his best foot forward in Blues camp after being dropped | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
"It was a really enjoyable week despite the score on Wednesday night," he said, referring to the shattering 44-24 Queensland victory.
Olakau'atu said he would keep the conversations between himself and NSW coach Laurie Daley confidential.
But he also did not think his path back to the Blues 17 was blocked and that he had every chance of playing in game 3 at Suncorp Stadium on July 8.
"I'd like to think so – I was pretty happy how I went about things," he said.
"I'm available but it's obviously up to Loz (Daley) and his staff to choose the best squad possible for game 3.
"So it's all in his hands."
Laurie Daley must decide whether to recall powerhouse back rower Haumole Olakau'atu | Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP
Manly coach Kieran Foran felt there should be no hesitation in having blockbusting Olakau'atu back in the Blues.
"I wouldn't have any other back rower in the comp ahead of Haumole. That's my opinion," Foran said.
"What he brings to a footy side is unique - it's different to what many other back rowers can bring."
Olakau'atu received a whack to his left shoulder in the second half of the Bulldogs match but dismissed that as a concern.
Kieran Foran wouldn't take any other back rower in the NRL ahead of Haumole Olakau'atu | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Manly's next assignment is on Saturday against Melbourne before the NSW team for the Origin series decider is named.
"The shoulder is all good. I had a little stinger in the nerves but it's all good," he said.
Despite the injury, Olakau'atu still played to his high standards and made a try-saving tackle on Bulldogs prop Leo Thompson, which received a giant roar from the crowd.
He ran for 181 metres off 20 runs with 87 post-contact metres as he dragged defenders with him.
He also had nine tackle busts and made 24 tackles, missing only one.
"I tried to not let it (his Origin status) get into my head," he said.
There was obviously a lot of attention building to tonight's game but I thought it was pretty good."
