Manly star Haumole Olakau’atu has missed out on securing a place in the NSW Origin line-up for Game 2 of the 2026 series.
After being named as part of a 21-player squad on Monday night, Olakau’atu was then named as 20th man when Blues coach Laurie Daley confirmed his team on Tuesday morning.
Replacing Olakau’atu in the starting side for Game 2 is Newcastle edge forward Dylan Lucas, who was 20th man for Game 1.
Haumole’s omission comes as somewhat of surprise given his form for Manly. Against the Rabbitohs last Thursday, he was at his barnstorming best chalking up a staggering 266 run metres from 22 carries, 140 of those metres being post contact.
His numbers this season have been off the charts, breaking more tackles and running for more metres on average per game than any other forward in the NRL.
Daley admits it was a tough decision to leave Haumole out.
"It's always difficult to have those chats, but you've got to make the decision in what you think is the best interest of the team and what the team needs," Daley said.
"It was difficult, we tried to see whether we could put him on the bench, but the balance of the side and the balance of the bench with another backrower there we felt like we needed a big man."
Tolu Koula has retained his place on the wing after being forced from the field due to a nasty head knock in Origin 1.
He was cleared to return to play against the Rabbitohs in Round 14 and made an immediate impact, breaking more tackles than any other player on the field.
NSW team for Origin II
1. James Tedesco, 2. Brian To’o, 3. Casey McLean, 4. Kotoni Staggs, 5. Tolutau Koula, 6. Mitchell Moses , 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Payne Haas, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Mitch Barnett, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Dylan Lucas, 13. Isaah Yeo (C). Interchange & Reserves 14. Cameron Murray, 15. Victor Radley, 16. Addin Fonua-Blake, 17. Apisai Koroisau 18. Ethan Strange, 19. Mark Nawaqanitawase 20. Haumole Olakau’atu
