For Haumole Olakau'atu, the return to State of Origin for the NSW Blues wasn't just another selection call; it was a moment built on years of family support, backyard football, and the quiet influence of those closest to him.

The back-rower last featured for the NSW Blues in Game 1 and Game 2 of the 2024 series, before missing out on the 2025 campaign.

So when the phone rang again in 2026, the emotion came quickly.

“I got the call last night from Loz (Laurie Daley) when I was eating dinner,” Olakau'atu told Zero Tackle on Monday.

“When he said I was in the squad and starting, I just had an overwhelming feeling and just a very proud moment for myself.

“There was a bit of a tear shed as well while telling my parents.

“They have been the best thing for me outside of footy. It's a very good support system I have, and my family have been the best for as long as I can remember.”

That support system stretches beyond his immediate family.

One of the most influential groups in his football journey has been the Fainu brothers, Sione, Samuela and Latu, who play for the Wests Tigers.

For Olakau'atu, those backyard battles helped shape not just his game, but his identity as a footballer.

“They (Fainu brothers) have been very important to me,” he shared with Zero Tackle.

“Just being able to grow up with them and play with them, you learn a lot of things in backyard footy.

“They have been great to me and have definitely helped me a lot at the start of my career. I owe them a lot.”

When asked who used to win those backyard challenges, Haumole was quick to acknowledge the youngest of the pack.

“Young Latu, Latu Fainu, the youngest of us all. Definitely smallest but had the biggest heart,” Olakau'atu smiled.

At club level, the 2026 season has also been one of consistency and evolution for the edge forward at the Manly Sea Eagles.
Interim coach Kieran Foran has played a key role in his recent development after stepping in following the sacking of Anthony Siebold earlier this year.

“He (Kieran Foran) has helped me a lot the past month or so. When I got the call from Loz, I called my parents, then Foz was the next person I called straight away,” he shared with Zero Tackle.

The second rower also helped uncover the secret to Kieran Foran's infamous 'Fozball'. 

“Probably just the little one per cent efforts,” Olakau'atu answered on what makes his coaching special.

“It is something we pride ourselves on with those little efforts and just being very physical. It is something I am very familiar with.”

That direction has translated into one of the strongest starts to a season in his career.

Olakau'atu has played every game this season, starting at second row, averaging 77 minutes per match.

He has crossed for three tries, produced seven line breaks, and continues to be one of the competition's most damaging ball-runners with an average of 171 running metres per game.

But for Olakau'atu, the biggest shift hasn't been physical; it's been mental.

“Besides experience, for me personally, it is a mindset thing”, Olakau'atu said on how his game has evolved.

“It is just a matter of believing in myself and having that confidence to play to the best I know I can.”

Now, with another Origin opportunity ahead, it's that belief, shaped by family, friends, and footballing mentors, that has carried him from backyard footy to rugby league's biggest stage.