The Manly Sea Eagles have announced their Player of the Year in 2026, in a season of mixed results and narrowly missing the top eight.
The club held its awards night on Monday, where Haumole Olakau'atu was crowned the Roy Bull Best and Fairest player for 2026 (MVP).
The Tongan wrecking ball took his game to another level this season, elevating all parts of his game, which saw him use his damaging ball-running power to trample across defensive lines countless times.
Olakau'atu finished third in total post-contact metres in the NRL during the regular season with 1644.
He also sits in fourth for tackle breaks with an astonishing 128 during 2026.
Averaging 171 running metres per game, Olakau'atu played twice for the NSW Blues in State of Origin, helping engineer a famous series win.
Olakau'atu also picked up the members' voted Gordon Willoughby Award, Blue Collar Award and Players' Player Award in what proved to be his strongest year in the NRL since his debut in the 2019 NRL finals series.
Winger Lehi Hopoate picked up the Leading Try Scorer Award, crossing for nineteen tries on the left-hand side, striking a formidable combination with centre Tolutau Koula.
Recruit Jamal Fogarty won the Club Community Award honouring his outstanding work off the field, while also picking up the Leading Point Scorer accolade with 66 goals and four tries.
The former Raiders half finished the night off by also collecting the Doug Daley Club Person of the Year award for 2026.
Sea Eagles rookie talent Simione Laiafi was crowned the Ken Arthurson Rising Star.
The 19-year-old man mountain broke into the NRL in Round 4 against the Sydney Roosters, and has featured prominently in Kieran Foran's starting side throughout 2026.
Known for his driving leg speed and courageous back-fence carries, Laiafi is touted as a future enforcer in the Sea Eagles pack.
Koula was recognised for his heroic defensive efforts by receiving the ‘Menzies Medal' for the Play of the Year.
When Tom Trboejvic went down injured in Round 7, Koula filled in at fullback, producing a try-saving tackle on Braidon Burns, pouring excess fuel onto the fire for a NSW Blues debut.
TOLU KOULA 👏
Telstra Moment of the Match pic.twitter.com/ocz8zwlUAy
— NRL (@NRL) April 16, 2026
Meanwhile, former Roosters hooker Zach Dockar-Clay won the NSW Cup Best and Fairest Award, with Jackson Shereb collecting the Players' Player.
The club will farewell long-term outside back Reuben Garrick for 2027, while picking up Starford To'a, Kayliss Fatialofa, Davvy Moale, and Toni Mataele in Foran's first full season at the coaching helm.
