'No regrets', Olakau'atu reveals Origin flip over melee
Almost a year on from his spectacular State of Origin brain snap, Haumole Olakau'atu insists he has no regrets as NSW selectors weigh up whether to recall the Manly enforcer to the Blues' starting side.
On form, Olakau'atu commands a place in Michael Maguire's 17-man squad as NSW open their series defence in Brisbane on May 28.
Dropped for game three last year, Olakau'atu has been Manly's best in 2025, fashioning more tackle breaks then any other second-rower over the opening 10 rounds while being tied for most run metres and second for line breaks, runs and try assists.
Now it's up to Blues selectors to decide if they can trust the hot-head after the 26-year-old's infamous involvement in an off-field melee while not even playing in the 2024 series decider in Brisbane.
Olakau'atu was evicted from the field after a scuffle between NSW and Queensland players spilt over the sidelines at Suncorp Stadium.
Dressed in a Blues blazer, Olakau'atu grabbed Maroons winger Valentine Holmes as players from both sides came together.
The reserve forward was forced to watch the game from the dressing room before being banned from entering the field of play at the end to celebrate a famous victory.
The day after, Olakau'atu said he wished he hadn't reacted like he did.
But 10 months on and he has had a change of tune, saying he was merely instinctively protecting his teammates.
"Definitely no regrets there," Olakau'atu told AAP ahead of Manly's Mother's Day hosting of Cronulla on Sunday.
"But my actions in the moment, I wasn't thinking.
"Do I look back at it and think it's such a silly thing to do? Yes, definitely.
"But do I don't regret it? No. I just seen red and just acted naturally to that situation.
"But, yeah, I definitely do not recommend it for any future players out there that are sitting on the sidelines, especially if you're wearing a suit."
Olakau'atu knows his numbers this season have him right in the frame for Origin selection.
But he also knows he would have to leapfrog incumbent back-row starters Liam Martin and Angus Crichton and in-form Canberra firebrand Hudson Young for a Blues spot.
"Stats are stats, you know what I mean? But when it comes to the moment, if I get picked, I get picked.
"If I don't, I don't. I've just got to accept it and and move on so I can only control what I can.
"So for now, I'm just trying to put my best foot forward for Manly and see where I end up."
He does, though, readily concede being dropped for last year's series decider still stings.
"I would be lying if I said it didn't," Olakau'atu said.
"Don't get me wrong, Mitch Barnett - 'Barney' he deserved every second of it but, look, it's hard you're a back-rower on the bench.
"You've already got two very good back-rowers already starting, so it was it was hard for me position wise.
"It was hard but it I think it was the right choice for Madge."
Olakau'atu has two more games to try to force Maguire's hand.
His immediate focus is on atoning for the Sharks' spoiling his 100-game celebration with a 24-18 victory over the Sea Eagles in Perth last month.
"Definitely still trying to get my revenge," Olakau'atu said.
"You all know that game in Perth, especially being my milestone as well.
"We didn't get the win and we don't want to lose to them twice."
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