LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Sea Eagles sensation Haumole Olakau'atu is feeling like he dropped the ball with his recent State of Origin blunder.
The rugby league star is owning up to his mistake and is itching to redeem himself when he takes the field against the Raiders this weekend after serving a two-game suspension.
Olakau'atu found himself in hot water during the Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium, where a scuffle escalated into a full-blown brawl.
Despite not being on the field at the time, he rushed to the aid of his teammate, earning himself a hefty ban in the process.
Former Queensland great Corey Parker criticized the punishment, suggesting Olakau'atu should have been benched for even longer given his off-field involvement.
But the young forward has taken it on the chin and is eager to make it up to his Sea Eagles comrades.
While some fans argue that Olakau'atu was just doing what any good teammate would do, the player himself acknowledges that he made a poor choice in the heat of the moment.
Now, he's focused on making the right moves on the field and proving his worth to his team.
"It's all about balance and making the right decisions when it counts," Olakau'atu said, showing a sense of responsibility for his actions.
But as they say in rugby league, it's not about the mistake you make, but how you bounce back from it.
And Olakau'atu is determined to bounce back stronger than ever.