Manly Warringah Sea Eagles stars Haumole Olakau’atu and Tolutau Koula have both gained selection for New South Wales for Game 1 of the 2026 State of Origin series.
It’s just rewards for both Manly players who have been among the best in their positions in the NRL in recent weeks.
Haumole and Tolu were at their scintillating best on Saturday afternoon in Brisbane helping the team to a 46-18 victory over the Wests Tigers in Magic Round.
The pair have been instrumental in Manly’s recent run of form, which has seen the team win six of its past seven games under the mentoring of interim head coach, Kieran Foran.
Olakau’atu’s selection marks a return to the Origin arena for the first time since playing for the Blues in their 2024 series triumph.
The right-edge wrecking ball had an injury-affected 2025 season but has bounced back to his best in a big way this season.
His numbers have been off the charts in 2026, leading the NRL for post contact metres through eleven rounds and near the top of the leaderboard in tackle breaks as well.
His performance in Magic Round rubber-stamped his Origin selection. As well as scoring a try, he ran for 261 metres from 21 carries to go with a staggering 11 tackle breaks.
Koula’s selection also comes as little surprise after a breakout 2025 season which saw him score 17 tries in 22 appearances, before collecting the Roy Bull Player of the Year award.
Like Olakau’atu, the Tonga international has been in terrific form this season, whether playing in the centres or at fullback.
Koula Magic: He beats five
Koula has scored five tries in 10 appearances, averaging 179 run metres per game.
On Saturday night, as well as putting Lehi Hopoate away for a four-pointer, he scored one of the tries of the season.
It will be an Origin debut for the 23-year-old when he lines up on the wing for the Blues on Wednesday week, following eight appearances for Tonga.
Koula will become the 40th Manly player to represent New South Wales in State of Origin.
Congratulations fellas! #GoManly #GoBlues
New South Wales Squad for Origin 1
1. James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters)
2. Brian To'o (Penrith Panthers)
3. Stephen Crichton (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
4. Kotoni Staggs (Brisbane Broncos)
5. Tolutau Koula* (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)
6. Mitchell Moses (Parramatta Eels)
7. Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)
8. Addin Fonua-Blake* (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
9. Reece Robson (Sydney Roosters)
10. Mitchell Barnett (Warriors)
11. Hudson Young (Canberra Raiders)
12 Haumole Olakau'atu (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)
13. Isaah Yeo (c) (Penrith Panthers)
14. Cameron Murray (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
15. Victor Radley* (Sydney Roosters)
16. Jacob Saifiti (Newcastle Knights)
17. Blayke Brailey* (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
18. Ethan Strange* (Canberra Raiders)
19. Casey McLean* (Penrith Panthers)
20. Dylan Lucas* (Newcastle Knights)
Coach: Laurie Daley
* Yet to play for NSW
Origin 1 will be played on Wednesday 27 May at Accor Stadium, Sydney
