FFS, never even spoke to him.
Haumole Olakau’atu’s NRL ascent with Manly has a unique back-story, and it’s not just because Saturday’s opponents Parramatta never rated the back-rower as a junior.
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Olakau’atu has been one of the many excellent young stars who have shot to stardom for the Sea Eagles this season.
The 22-year-old has terrorised rivals on the right edge. Manly skipper Daly Cherry-Evans is only half joking when he describes Olakau’atu - all 196cm and 112kg of him - as “the scariest man in rugby league”.
NSW coach Brad Fittler is a fan, and confirmed he was about to bring Olakau’atu into the extended squad ahead of Origin III, only to realise Manly did not have a bye that weekend.
Sadly Saturday night’s rivals, Parramatta, never rated Olakau’atu and snubbed the Fairfield junior not once but twice from their Harold Matthews and SG Ball sides.