Male enforcer Haumole Olakau’atu reveals the very surprising truth about his stunning hit on Justin Olam – who was so violent that Johnathan Thurston was glad he’s retired
- Olakau’atu made a grating hit
- Says teammate should have gotten credit
- Described as ‘scariest man in NRL’
Male striker Haumole Olakau’atu left Brookvale Oval on Friday night trembling at the brutality of his tackle on Storm star Justin Olam – but he has made a startling confession about the bruise.
The 24-year-old second-rower is in sensational form to start the NRL season, so much so that he’s even calling for a call-up to Origin, despite NSW’s depth in the forwards.
Playing in the Sea Eagles’ 18-8 Friday night primetime over the Storm, Olakau’atu was credited with sending Melbourne’s mighty center Justin Olam who charged back after taking a hit to complete a Storm set to start.
The whistleblower was so violent footy legend Johnathan Thurston exclaimed that he was ‘glad to be retired’ on comment, while ex-Blues brute Willie Mason called it ‘one of the best hits I’ve seen’ on social media.
But the ever-humble Olakau’atu has revealed the surprising truth behind the tackle, claiming that it was actually Aloiai who should get all the credit.
Haumole Olakau’atu, pictured running against the storm on Friday night, left Brookvale Oval trembling, so brutal was his perfectly legal attack on Justin Olam
Olakau’atu, pictured with partner Anna Ikavalu at the 2021 Dally M Medals, has set the NRL ablaze with brilliant form to start the season
Powerful Storm center Justin Olam was left shaken and cautiously got up after Olakau’atu and Aloiai’s hit
“I’m not taking credit, it was actually Josh Aloiai who did the hit, I only came in to help,” the mild-mannered striker told the The Sydney Morning Herald.
“I remember watching the replay after the game and pinching myself. He [Olam] is so hard to deal with. It felt pretty good for him to run off like that.’
Fellow Sea Eagles striker Aaron Woods said the perfectly legal 15th-minute goal set the tone for Manly as they looked to beat the visiting Melbourne side.
“I was on the sideline and had a perfect view of it. That tackle set the tone for the game. I thought we were going to be punished because Justin got up and was upset. But it was just the whiplash of the tackle. It was a great hit from the boys,” he said.
The 196cm, 112kg Olakau’atu also made five tackle breaks and 22 other tackles in the 10-point victory by the bruised Manly pack, explaining that it took many, many hours of practice alongside Aloiai to make the hit .
“That will go down in the books as one of my and Joshy’s best hits,” he said.
“I always go low, I know Joshy starts low and then launches up. I’m also stronger with my left shoulder and Josh is stronger with his right.”
The ever humble Olakau’atu credited fellow Manly forward Josh Aloiai (pictured) with the massive blow to the Storm center
Olakau’atu, right, wrestles Rabbitohs players during their fourth-round encounter. The Manly youngster has a huge chance of scoring a NSW Blues jersey this year
Still young in NRL terms at 24, Olakau’atu is certainly not without a chance to secure a first Origin call-up with Brad Fittler’s side.
Once described by his captain Daly Cherry-Evans as the ‘scariest man in rugby league’, the giant back-rower has set the competition on fire this season, even scoring four tries from six appearances.
And Woods, who has represented NSW 14 times, said Olakau’atu is “absolutely done.”
“He’s not just that big striker who runs over people, he knows his footy. He can make good angles, he’s a good talker, and he’s defensive – the hits he throws,” said the veteran.
Manly will look to continue their momentum when they take on the lowly Tigers at Campbelltown on Sunday afternoon.