Olakau’atu was dismissed from the ground – and later banned from joining his NSW teammates lift the State of Origin shield – after he took it upon himself to become involved in a brawl that had spilled over the touchline.
Haumole Olakau’atu is facing a lengthy ban for becoming involved in a melee as a 19th manGetty Images,Nine
Daly Cherry-Evans and Jarome Luai were involved in a push and shove before players came from all parts of the field.
Olakau’atu was NSW’s 19th man,and dressed in chinos and a navy suit jacket,before he made a beeline for Queensland back Valentine Holmes.
The Manly back-rower is now facing a lengthy ban because he was not even playing – but told this masthead late Wednesday he would do it all again if it meant protecting a teammate.
“There was more maroon than blue,so I was just being a friend,” Olakau’atu said.
Video footage of the NSW Blues and Queensland Maroons melee on Wednesday night.
“I wanted to help a brother out … Obviously now[I’m worried]. But in the moment,I was helping out a brother.
“I’ve only met these guys through footy,but to get to know them on a deeper level in camp,it’s a special thing. I wish nothing but the best for all of them.
“There was a whole heap of maroon. I’m just happy the boys got up – I’m happy the boys got the shield to take back home.
“But I’d do the same thing in clubland,100 per cent ... If it’s one of my brothers at Manly,I’d definitely be in the picture to help them out.”
Holmes said he had no idea who Olakau’atu was at first because he was dressed as a civilian.
“I didn’t know who it was until I turned around and saw someone in a suit,” Holmes said.
“I don’t know what he was doing there. The emotions got the better of him. It’s probably not the best look for himself.
“He was obviously trying to break up the fight,but he was half choking me.”
This masthead obtained video footage shot from just behind the Queensland bench,which featured NSW winger Brian To’o being set upon by up to half a dozen Maroons players. A white plastic chair goes flying as Blues forward Cameron Murray comes charging off the bench towards the Queenslanders.
NSW’s 18th man Matt Burton,and Queensland assistant Johnathan Thurston,are also seen trying to keep the peace.
Murray and Maroons’ back-rower Jeremiah Nanai were sent to the sin-bin. Both men also remained unapologetic.
“I saw two boys outnumbered in front of the Queensland bench,” Murray said.
Cameron Murray runs into a sea of Maroons players to fight from the bench.Supplied
“I don’t like starting things,but I’ll always be there to support my teammates.
“We talked about it during the week about being smart around that type of thing. I felt bad because I felt like I cost my teammates a bit. But all I was trying to do was help my teammates.”
Nanai added:“Daly is our captain,and I wanted to protect him and back my mate up.
“After game two,they[NSW] tried to bully us. If they tried it again,it wasn’t going to happen. We’re family. We stick up for each other. We wanted to make sure they didn’t bully us again.”
Jeremiah Nanai of the Maroons is sent to the sin bin.Getty Images
Cherry-Evans has formed a lethal right-edge combination with Olakau’atu at the Sea Eagles,and said there was no malice in his actions.
“I have a lot of love and time for Haumole,” Cherry-Evans said. “I didn’t know at the time he was involved. He will do anything for his team. I don’t think he hurt anyone,or had the intention to hurt anyone. He would have been there to protect his teammate.
“If I’ve got my Manly hat on,I do hope he’s left alone[by the match review committee]. What he was doing did not come from a nasty place. He’ll do anything for his team.”
Cherry-Evans said there was no bad blood with Luai after the game,but the Blues roughed him up most of the night. His right eye had started to go black in the sheds.
“I got hit in the head so many times tonight – I’m not having a crack at anyone,but I got up half-a-dozen times to play the ball thinking,‘shit that hurt’,” he said.
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