Why Maccas, in moderation, could deliver Olakau’atu to Origin arena

All going to plan, Haumole Olakau’atu is half a dozen or so Big Macs away from a NSW State of Origin jersey.

Blues coach Brad Fittler has long been a fan of both players in winning teams and the Manly man mountain, who has gone to another level in the Sea Eagles’ unbeaten start under Anthony Seibold.

Olakau’atu says he is playing six or seven kilos lighter than he was in 2022 – a breakout year in any case that earned him a decent contract upgrade for this season in an attempt to keep circling NRL rivals at bay.

Still unhappy with how he finished in Manly’s stunning capitulation, Olakau’atu joined teammate Josh Schuster in cutting take-away and junk food out of his diet and slimming down to around 113 kilos.

Only after a Sea Eagles win does he allow himself a cheat meal like last Thursday’s post-game Maccas run – with his brace of tries in the 68th and 76th minutes ensuring Parramatta didn’t finish over the top of Manly.

Olakau’atu’s increased fitness – finding the energy to leap for a kick and pinch a late intercept against the Eels – along with his heavy hitting have him once more among the game’s form back-rowers as Origin discussions begin.

“I know last year wasn’t my best year on the back of being really heavy, I was struggling to play,” Olakau’atu says.

“I’ve lost a few kegs now, I feel good, I feel light, and my main focus is to play good footy.

“No McDonalds, no KFC, no pizza. I still have my cheat meal, but only after a win.

“It’s a really good feeling at the club at the moment, and I’m really enjoying coming in every day and learning under Seibs.”

NSW have the likes of Liam Martin, Keaon Koloamatangi, Hudson Young, Siosifa Talakai and Cameron Murray (shuffled to an edge to accommodate Isaah Yeo at lock) as back-row options, while Angus Crichton’s personal leave presents a potential opening for Olakau’atu.

Fittler had planned to give him a taste of the Origin arena two years ago by adding him to an extended game three squad before realising Manly were one of the few teams playing the weekend prior.

The 24-year-old confirmed he had planned to play for Tonga in last year’s mid-year Test if the scheduling clash forced a choice between his heritage and a Blues debut.

This time around there is no such issue. And while Olakau’atu is reluctant to buy into the hype that peaked around those selection stories last June – to the point then-coach Des Hasler was publicly urging him to plump for NSW if Fittler came calling – a sky blue jersey is a reward he would relish.

“I haven’t actually spoken to Freddie, but I’d love to let him know I’m keen,” Olakau’atu says.

“I’m definitely available and would love to be there. That choice was tough and obviously I didn’t get that [Origin] call so it was much easier to put my hand up for Tonga in the middle of the year.

“If I could get that opportunity to put that Blues jersey on, it’d mean a lot.”

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