LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Former NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler has spilled the beans on how he almost picked Manly forward Haumole Olakau'atu for last year's State of Origin showdown against Queensland.
Despite the hype surrounding him and his stellar club performances for the Manly Sea Eagles, Olakau'atu missed out on a spot in the squad.
Fittler opted for Hudson Young from the Canberra Raiders and Keaon Koloamatangi from the South Sydney Rabbitohs to join Liam Martin in the back row.
In a classic twist of fate, Fittler opened up about the near miss, saying, "He was right on the cusp last year, but then Manly's form hit a rough patch."
It seems Olakau'atu's chance at Origin glory slipped through his fingers, but with determination and hard work, he may just bounce back stronger than ever.
After all, in the game of Rugby League, anything is possible.