A trimmed-down Haumole Olakau’atu has emerged as a real State of Origin bolter because the Blues look to reclaim the defend from their northern foes.
The Sea Eagles back-rower was excellent final week, smashing any Eels participant courageous sufficient to run at him, whereas he additionally added two tries, together with the sealer when he picked off an offload late within the recreation.
NSW coach Brad Fittler has loads of time to have a look at his back-row candidates, however Saturday night time’s conflict between the Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs may give him some early perception with Olakau’atu and Keaon Koloamatangi each within the combine.
Olakau’atu represented Tonga final yr however would qualify for Origin the identical manner guys like Jarome Luai, Junior Paulo and Josh Papalii can characterize their respective states.
“It’d be really good, but my main focus is Manly right now and what I can contribute for the team,” Olakau’atu stated after some high-profile voices instructed he was prepared for the Origin enviornment.
“I don’t really look at the hype that much. I focus on what I can do now.
“I always get a lot of messages on social media, but I don’t really look into them too much.
“Playing really good footy is one of my main focuses this year, but if I could get the opportunity to put that Blues jersey on, then it would mean a lot.”
While many would say Olakau’atu is coming off his finest yr within the NRL, the 24-year-old sees it in another way, blaming his weight for his supposed struggles.
But the back-rower has dropped six kilos and is wanting higher than ever, which may immediate Fittler to shake up his aspect for recreation one in a number of months.
Liam Martin has a mortgage on the fitting edge spot after his World Cup heroics, however the left edge is up for grabs, with Cam Murray greater than able to backing up what he did in 2022, though he may simply transfer to the bench and add power by means of the center in opposition to drained forwards.
“Last year wasn’t my best year on the back of being heavy and struggling to play,” Olakau’atu stated.
“I lost a few kegs so I feel good now, I feel light and it’s my main focus to play good footy.
“It helps with my cramps because usually I’m a master of cramps. The last two weeks have been really good.”
Teammate Kelma Tuilagi stated he was impressed by his brother of destruction on the opposite aspect of the sphere.
“He does some freaky stuff. He comes up with big plays and he’s just a big human. Having him in our team helps a lot,” he stated.
“The way he plays motivates the whole team.”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
