- Heumole Olakau’atu was sent off from the sidelines in Origin decider
- Involved in scenes on the field – despite wearing a suit
- Eliminated for game three by Blues coach Michael Maguire
There’s no denying that Haumole Olakau’atu has a passion for NSW when it comes to State of Origin, especially in a deciding series.
In sensational scenes, NSW’s 19th man Haumole Olakau’atu was sent off from the touchline at Suncorp Stadium after being involved in a first-half brawl.
He was impossible to miss as he was wearing his competition uniform.
Incredibly, Blues star Cameron Murray became the first player to be suspended for his role in the match.
Olakau’atu jumped into the fray from the NSW bench – in his suit – after Jarome Luai and Daly Cherry-Evans clashed, with the ensuing row also spilling out of the touchline.
An excited Olakau’atu rushed into the fray and engaged in a pushing and shoving match with Maroons winger Valentine Holmes.
Murray and Jeremiah Nanai were both sent out of jail afterwards, while Olakau’atu was banned from the touchline and sent to the Blues’ dressing room to cool off.
After that, he was only allowed to watch the rest of the match from the Blues’ dressing room or coaching box.
There’s no denying Haumole Olakau’atu’s passion for NSW when it comes to State of Origin – especially in a deciding series
In sensational scenes, NSW’s 19th man Haumole Olakau’atu (pictured right, circled in red) was sent off the touchline at Suncorp Stadium after being involved in a first-half brawl
The Sea Eagles backrower featured for the Blues in the opening two games of the series but was overlooked by coach Michael Maguire for the deciding match
The Sea Eagles backrower played the first two games of the series for the Blues but was overlooked by coach Michael Maguire for the deciding match.
Maguire’s opponent Billy Slater was chasing his third consecutive series win but ultimately fell short, with NSW winning 14-4.
After the match, Wally Lewis Medal winner Angus Crichton gave a speech paying tribute to the culture Maguire had created in the training camp.
“We knew what we were after and what we were capable of,” he said.
“We definitely felt the pressure…but this is a special team and a great group of guys.”