From unsuccessful trials to the heights of the NRL
In short: Before becoming a mainstay for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, Haumole Olakau'atu faced rejection. After failing to secure spots in Parramatta's junior sides, the Tongan international transformed from a rugby union player into a formidable second-row forward, eventually navigating the intense politics of State of Origin.
Born in Guildford, New South Wales, on 1 October 1998, Haumole Olakau'atu's path to professional rugby league was not linear. Originally a rugby union player, he transitioned to league with the Berala Bears and Wentworthville Magpies. His early career was marked by setbacks, including unsuccessful trials for the Parramatta SG Ball and Harold Matthews squads. However, his talent was eventually recognized by Manly, where he secured a place in their 2017 Holden Cup premiership-winning side.
Olakau'atu's NRL career began in the 2019 finals against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. Since then, he has become a significant figure for the Sea Eagles, known for his scoring ability, such as his two-try performance against North Queensland in 2021. His tenure has also been marked by significant club and representative drama. In 2022, he faced scrutiny after declaring his allegiance to the Queensland Maroons on Instagram, despite being eligible for New South Wales.
His career has seen both high-stakes competition and disciplinary challenges. In 2024, while playing for New South Wales, he was suspended for two matches following a melee during the third State of Origin match. More recently, his momentum was halted by injury; after scoring two tries in the 2025 season, a dislocated shoulder in round 21 forced him to miss the remainder of that year. Despite these hurdles, including a controversial omission from the NSW squad by coach Laurie Daley in 2026, he remains a central figure in the league, having re-signed with Manly through 2031.
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