Manly Sea Eagles back-rower Haumole Olakau’atu has been recalled to the New South Wales Blues squad for the State of Origin decider, following a direct intervention by coach Laurie Daley regarding his defensive work rate. After being dropped for the second game of the series, Olakau’atu confirmed he was told by Daley to improve his “back-to-back” effort areas and kick-chase intensity to earn his place back in the side.
Why was Haumole Olakau’atu dropped from the Blues?
Olakau’atu was omitted from the NSW side for game two following reports of underwhelming effort levels in the series opener. According to comments made by Laurie Daley to the media on Monday, the decision was communicated clearly to the player at the time. “We spoke to Haumole when he didn’t make game two about what we were looking for,” Daley said. The coach noted that the feedback focused on specific areas of the game that required higher intensity. Olakau’atu corroborated this, telling Code Sports that Daley was “straight with me” about his lack of sustained effort during defensive transitions.
How did the Manly star respond to his axing?
Rather than dwelling on the disappointment, Olakau’atu utilized the feedback to refine his club performance. He admitted to reviewing his game tape immediately after the omission. “I wanted to see what I did well in that game and the things I had to improve on,” he told Code Sports. The forward focused on his defensive positioning and kick-chase efforts, which he identified as the primary concerns raised by the coaching staff. Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Olakau’atu confirmed that Daley has since expressed satisfaction with his recent club form, leading to his recall for the third and final match of the series.
Haumole Olakau’atu instructed his family to avoid social media following the announcement of his omission to prevent the intense public scrutiny from affecting his mental preparation.
Managing public and social media pressure
The intense speculation surrounding his exclusion led Olakau’atu to take a proactive approach to his mental wellbeing. He revealed that he advised his family to stay off social media platforms to avoid the “chatter” regarding his form. “The more I see it, the more it plays around with my head,” he told Code Sports. By distancing himself from public opinion, the 25-year-old was able to focus on consistent football at the club level, ultimately securing his return to the representative arena.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Laurie Daley drop Haumole Olakau’atu?
Daley dropped Olakau’atu due to a perceived lack of “back-to-back” effort areas and defensive intensity during game one, as confirmed by both the coach and the player.
What specific areas did Olakau’atu need to improve?
Olakau’atu stated that he needed to work on his kick-chase and his defensive efforts, areas he has been focusing on with his club in the weeks leading up to his recall.
Is Olakau’atu playing in Game 3?
Yes, Olakau’atu has been recalled to the New South Wales squad for the series decider after meeting the performance standards set by the coaching staff.
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