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'Origin is a rare game': Des Hasler advises Manly's star backrower to put NSW ahead of Tonga
By AAP
Des Hasler has advised Haumole Olakau’atu to consider putting State of Origin and NSW ahead of Tonga as a battle looms over the Manly star’s eligibility.
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Olakau’atu was the star for the Sea Eagles for a second straight week on Sunday, pummelling through the Wests Tigers in a 30-4 win.
A week after running through the Warriors, the second-rower scored a try, busted 10 tackles and broke the line three times in a damaging afternoon at Campbelltown.
The 23-year-old also pulled off the game-turning play, producing a one-on-one strip on Jackson Hastings with the hosts on the attack and down 6-4 early in the second half.
Olakau’atu would likely be an option for NSW come Game II in Perth, with Tariq Sims under pressure to keep his spot on an edge.
But a bigger question looms on whether the Sydney-born Olakau’atu wants to play for NSW on June 26.
The forward would not speak to media on Sunday but his management has indicated his preference is with Tonga, who play a Pacific Test against New Zealand on June 25 in Auckland.
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“As far as his heritage, Tonga is always going to be there,” Hasler said.
“But Origin is a rare game. It’s a piece of history in any player’s aspiration in footy.
“He’ll get good counsel in making that decision.”
Manly teammate Jake Trbojevic also backed Olakau’atu as ready for Origin, as did Kieran Foran who has every hope of playing for the Kiwis in that same Pacific Test.
“For sure (he is ready for Origin), he has shown what he is capable of. It’s a big decision to make,” Foran said.
“But if you are going off what he is going off the past couple of weeks, it’s a fair handful.
“He’s been electric. He is some sort of player. He is only going to get better. That is the scary thing.
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“His footy smarts and footy awareness is growing every week.”
Olakau’atu could be one of several Blues to have decisions to make ahead of representative weekend, with Daniel Tupou also admitting during camp for Game I he was undecided if he would preference Tonga or NSW.
Meanwhile, Trbojevic also made his case for a NSW recall.
Controversially overlooked for Game I, Trbojevic impressed last week against the Warriors before going to the line and putting Josh Aloiai over for Manly’s first on Sunday.
Hasler argued afterwards that Trbojevic had put enough pressure on selectors to be picked, while the man himself attempted to steer clear of the debate.
“Obviously earlier in the week when I found out it was disappointing, but I have had a really enjoyable two weeks of football for Manly,” he said.
