Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Haumole Olakau’atu State of Origin headlines have taken over the build-up to Game 2 after New South Wales Blues coach Laurie Daley dropped the Manly Sea Eagles back-rower from the matchday squad for the June 17 clash against Queensland in Melbourne.

The decision came despite New South Wales winning the series opener and Olakau’atu producing a strong club performance for the Manly Sea Eagles against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

For more rugby league news, read Israel Folau linked with shock NRL return in train and trial approach to Wests Tigers.

Daley Call Leaves Blues Selection Under Scrutiny

Olakau’atu arrived in camp as part of the 21-man squad and reports suggested he expected to feature in Game 2. Instead, Daley selected Dylan Lucas in the starting side and left Olakau’atu as an extended reserve.

The call quickly became one of the major talking points around the New South Wales Blues squad, with pundits debating whether off-ball work, defensive reads or training loads shaped the decision.

“There’s been a number of theories discussed today because this is a significant call because you win an Origin game and Loz decides to drop his starting back-rower,” Code Sports reporter David Riccio said on NRL 360.

“My understanding is it’s the effort areas off the ball and that when the Blues didn’t have the ball and were in defensive mode, the Queenslanders would go and attack his side of the field.

Questions Over Role And Training Load

Foxsports.com.au reporter Paul Crawley said Olakau’atu’s complete omission from the playing squad came as a shock.

“What surprised me is that Olakauatu is completely out of the squad. He’s the extra man now,” Crawley said.

“That shocked me and that shocked a lot of people because he has been the game’s best back-rower this year.

“He’s an absolute weapon. He played for Manly the other day and made 260 metres.”

Reports also raised the possibility that New South Wales’ Origin training schedule may have differed from the program used by the Manly Sea Eagles for the powerful forward.

Fans can follow official updates on the series through the NRL State of Origin page.

Manly Coach Backs Olakau’atu

Manly Sea Eagles coach Kieran Foran defended his player and questioned the move after Olakau’atu was pushed out of the 19-man squad.

“I’m extremely disappointed for Haumole and I wouldn’t want any other back rower in the game other than him,” Foran told News Corp.

“He is a true professional Haumole and he will be a team player. He will do whatever is needed for his side and his state.”

The Blues lead the series 1-0, but Daley’s bold selection call has added pressure before a chance to seal the series in Melbourne.