So what did Laurie Daley want to see from Haumole Olakau’atu after dropping him for Origin II?
The NSW coach said that was not for him to disclose, but the Manly back-rower was only too happy to shed some light on Monday after his recall for next Wednesday’s decider.
“It was all about effort areas, the back-to-back efforts, and going after my defence,” Olakau’atu told this masthead. “That’s something I’ve gone after and have tried to nail down the past couple of weeks.
“‘Loz’ told me he was very happy with my last couple of weeks in terms of that effort. I tried not to dwell on [being 20th man for game two], and all I could try and do was come out and play consistent footy. Wherever Loz wants me, I’m prepared to do it next week.”
Olakau’atu has been at his physical best the past couple of weeks, trampling over Canterbury and Storm defenders for 21 tackle busts, and two first-half tries against the Storm. He ran the ball with such force on Saturday night that he left Storm winger Moses Leo with a heavy concussion.
“Those plays happen in a blink of the eye – I’m glad to be still standing after the contact,” he said.
It is hard to think of a more destructive back-rower than Olakau’atu when he is in the mood.
All sorts of theories were floated to explain Olakau’atu’s axing after the Origin I victory, including his effort areas in defence, and his struggles completing the training workloads while in Blues camp.
After recalling Olakau’atu, who was named on the bench but is expected to spend time on the right edge when Liam Martin is given a spell, Daley said: “We spoke to Haumole when he didn’t make game two about what we were looking for. Since then, he’s gone back and played well for his club and done what we asked him to do.
“Those conversations are private. If Haumole wants to tell you, he’ll tell you. He knew what we needed to see. It’s been a good response from him. You wouldn’t have known that he was disappointed being dropped with the way he trained and prepared.
“That shows you what a quality human he is as well.”
Pressed on what Olakau’atu brings to the Blues side, Daley said: “He’s destructive with the ball, and having him on the bench is someone we can tactically use – he can go hard, and that’s the best fit for us going up there.
“He’s confident, and he’s played really well the past two games.”
Olakau’atu said he was keen to unite with Martin, the four-time Penrith premiership winner who “has that dog in him, and is a guy for the big moments”.
Olakau’atu joins Manly teammate Tolu Koula in the Blues squad, but there was no room for fellow Sea Eagle Tom Trbojevic, who has been excellent in his two games back from a hamstring injury.
Daley said Trbojevic was discussed, but that Bradman Best and Stephen Crichton were the preferred centre options.
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
From our partners
About the Author
