‘He’s a different player’: Foran pumps star’s Origin selection hopes after Eels rampage

Is there a better back rower in game right now than Haumole Olakau’atu?

Manly interim coach Kieran Foran certainly doesn’t think so after the powerful 27-year-old was at his dominant best as the Sea Eagles saw off Parramatta 33-18 at Brookvale on Sunday afternoon.

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Terrorising the Eels on the right edge for 73 high-octane minutes, Olakau’atu ended the match with 22 carries, four offloads, 226 run metres (98 post contact) and nine tackle breaks.

He was just as devastating in defence, poleaxing Dylan Walker with a massive shot in the closing seconds of the first half, leaving the Eels lock with a suspected fractured arm.

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Now in his eighth season at Brookvale, Olakau’atu made two appearances for NSW off the bench in 2024 and his coach Foran has zero doubt he’s ready for a return to the sky blue jersey in 2026.

“Without a doubt, there are great back rowers in our game but Haumole is a special player,” Foran gushed after the match, before offering a caveat with a grin.

“But I’m not a selector.”

Yet to taste defeat since taking over as interim coach from Anthony Seibold in Round 5, Foran declared Olakau’atu’s form has been a major factor in the Sea Eagles’ stunning early season rival. 

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“Haumole has been building for a while, he’s a different player to what he was four or five years ago, he’s grown his game each and every year,” Foran said.

“When he’s carrying the footy for us like that, and going after the game defensively like that, we’re going to be in the contest more times than not.

“His performances at the moment are very special and we absolutely love what he’s bringing to the table.

“He’s been unbelievable all year and I think the sky is the limit for him as a footballer, he’s just got something that not many players have.“

Olakau’atu is contracted with Manly until the end of 2031 which will be his thirteenth season in maroon and white.

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