Olakau’atu remaining positive despite being dropped for Origin series decider

Manly Sea Eagles enforcer Haumole Olakau’atu has admitted whilst he is disappointed to have not made the cut for the NSW Blues Game III squad, he is happy to see fellow forward Mitch Barnett get his chance in the Origin arena.

Olakau’atu was just one of two players to be dropped from Michael Maguire’s Game III side, with Latrell Mitchell also being forced to withdraw from the series decider with a foot injury.

The 25-year-old had a limited impact in the first two games he appeared in, with his fellow backrowers Angus Crichton and Liam Martin putting on stellar showings for the Blues.

Consequently, Maguire opted for Barnett as his final forward on the bench, anticipating a barrage from the Maroons front line.

Speaking to SEN.com.au, Olakau’atu remained in good spirits when discussing the situation and revealed his happiness to be able to remain in camp around his teammates.

“I’m feeling pretty good,” Olakau’atu told SEN.com.au.

“He (Maguire) called me (on Sunday) and told me that I wasn’t going to be in the 17 but obviously going to be in the squad.

“I was obviously pretty disappointed but very happy to see Mitch Barnett have a go.

“He’s a very good player and has a lot of energy, I believe he’s made for Origin.”

Being stuck behind two of the game’s best backrowers in Crichton and Martin softened the blow of being left out of the series decider for Olakau’atu.

“Those two are two of the best second rowers in the game,” Olakau’atu added.

“I look up to them both, they’re legends off the field, I like to just observe them and learn from them on and off the field.”

Olakau’atu was named as NSW’s 19th man but is unlikely to play a role in the series decider next Wednesday in Brisbane, barring an injury.