Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have taken the next step to ensuring powerful second-rower Haumole Olakauátu becomes a one Club player with a new six year-deal.
Already signed for 2024 and 2025, the Sea Eagles have secured Olakauátu for a further six years that will take the 25-year-old out to 2031.
Olakau’atu, who is now the longest contracted player on the Club’s roster, has scored 29 tries in 73 first grade games since making his NRL debut for Manly in 2019.
Sea Eagles Coach Anthony Seibold said there was plenty to like about Olakau’atu as a player and person.
“We have seen the growth in Haumole over the last couple of years but, in particular, the last 12 months,’’ Seibold said.
“From a physical point of view, Haumole is an 80 minutes back-rower now.
“The biggest thing that has impressed me over the past year is that Haumole has given himself to the team in a way that a lot of people are now following him.
We have seen those leadership qualities in him.
Coach Anthony Seibold on Haumole Olakau'atu
"Haumole has graduated into a leadership position at Manly and that’s been the most exciting part of him as a person. He has also grown into a devoted family man.
“We feel that Haumole’s best years are ahead of him and that he can develop into an elite player who can play at State of Origin level for the NSW Blues.
“He has already played at Test level for Tonga but he is at that part of his career now where he can play State of Origin.
“If he plays State of Origin, it means he is playing consistent. That’s his narrow focus, being consistent at Manly.
“Haumole is a high-quality player and we love having him. The Club has invested in his long-term career. We want Haumole to be a one Club player.
“We feel Manly is the best Club for Haumole and that he is the right person to invest in.”
