Manly’s Origin captains Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic have no concerns that Sea Eagles team-mate Haumole Olakauátu will thrive on the big stage at Homebush next Wednesday.
Both have seen first hand the rise of Olakau’atu as a damaging second-rower since he made his NRL debut for Manly in 2019.
Having already represented Tonga on the international level, Olakau’atu now gets the chance to test himself against the best when he makes his NSW Blues debut at Homebush on Wednesday, June 2.
Once described by Cherry-Evans as “the scariest man in rugby league”, the giant powerful back-rower continues to terrorise opponents on the right edge, and has scored 32 tries in 83 games for the Sea Eagles.
And now, as Queensland captain, Cherry-Evans will come up against the full force of Olakauátu.
“Haumole is obviously a massive threat and I’m glad I have him next to me week to week for Manly,’’ Cherry-Evans said.
“I’ve seen him come through first grade and he has worked really hard for his spot.
“He has shown he is one of the form back-rowers of the competition."
As for the man himself, Olakau’atu just smiled when asked about running at Cherry-Evans on the edge.
“I will try and do everything I can for my state to get the win,’’ he said.
“On the field, we will be enemies, but off the field, he is still 'Chez'. My club captain.”
Trbojevic, who heads into his 17th game for NSW as the new Blues captain, says Olakau’atu has really developed at Manly.
“Haumole has really tried hard to become a leader of our team and a student of the game,’’ Trbojevic said.
“He is such a great guy and he has done so well.
“I’m really proud of him, really happy for him, and he has done a great job at Manly. Just to see him grow and secure this jersey is really cool.
“He really is becoming a professional now.”
Olakau'atu said it was an honour for him to make his NSW debut under Trbojevic’s leadership.
“I’m extremely happy for Jake. There's no one better deserving than him for the captaincy role,’’ Olakau’atu said.
“I’m just very happy to be a part of the team where he captains. I’m sure everyone across the state is stoked for him as well as his family.
“I wish nothing but the best for Jake. I can’t wait to run out with him for the Blues.”
