Haumole Olakau’atu appears to have all but cemented his place in Laurie Daley’s NSW Blues squad for Game 1 after a man-of-the-match performance in Manly’s 46-18 victory over the Tigers.
Teammate Jamal Fogarty said that the Blues are kidding if they don’t pick him.
The Sea Eagles have now moved up inside the top four after their sixth win in their last seven games.
The Tigers, however, are sliding down the ladder following a third-straight loss.
Olakau’atu’s Dominance Seals Potential Origin Selection
Olakau’atu finished with 203 run metres, including 90 post-contact, eight tackle busts, three linebreaks, two try assists and one try.
Fogarty told Fox League that Olakau’atu has been destructive the last six weeks.
Olakau’atu set up a try for Clayton Faulalo and scored another himself.
At times, he was unstoppable.
Tigers fullback Sunia Turuva was forced to throw his entire body at Olakau’atu’s legs to bring him down after the Manly star surged through a gap.
Tolu Koula is also playing well, according to reports.
Tigers Face Injury Crisis Amidst Losing Streak
The Tigers have now conceded 44 points or more in each of their three recent losses.
Coach Benji Marshall made no excuses last week after the loss to Melbourne despite a mounting injury toll.
Taylan May may have re-aggravated a previous shoulder injury.
Marshall said in his post-game press conference that there are fears it is dislocated and he will be out for the season, pending scans.
Jock Madden looked uncomfortable late in the game with a potential hamstring issue, with Marshall confirming that he will also undergo scans.
Manly superstar Haumole Olakau’atu has surely secured a place in the NSW second row.
Koula’s Speed Adds to Manly’s Attacking Prowess
Tolu Koula scored one of the tries of the season, beating five Tigers defenders to score in the fourth minute.
Koula beat Kai Pearce-Paul when he received the ball.
After his performance, Olakau’atu surely has one of the two second row spots in his keeping as Daley prepares to name his side for Origin I on Monday morning.
- Haumole Olakau’atu had 203 run metres.
- The Sea Eagles are inside the top four.
- The Tigers have conceded 44 points or more in their last three games.
The Sea Eagles moved up inside the top four with the win, which was the sixth in their last seven games, with their only loss coming in tight fasion to the ladder-leading Panthers.