Sea Eagles enforcer Haumole Olakau'atu is set to become a very rich man, with the explosive back-rower signing a bumper six-year contract extension.
After weeks of speculation, the 25-year-old has officially put pen to paper on the mammoth deal despite having two years to run on his current deal, which will see him remain at Manly until the end of the 2031 NRL season.
Already regarded as one of the most damaging edge forwards in the competition, Olakau'atu has scored 29 tries in 73 games for the Sea Eagles, while also representing Tonga on the international stage.
The western Sydney product is also closing in on a State of Origin debut with NSW and has become one of the focal points for Manly's attack in recent seasons.
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In a statement released on Thursday afternoon, head coach Anthony Seibold claimed the extension was an important one for the club and believes Olakau'atu has all the tools to become one of the game's elite players.
"We have seen the growth in Haumole over the last couple of years but, in particular, the last 12 months," Seibold said.
"From a physical point of view, Haumole is an 80 minutes back-rower now. The biggest thing that has impressed me over the past year is that Haumole has given himself to the team in a way that a lot of people are now following him.
"Haumole has graduated into a leadership position at Manly and that’s been the most exciting part of him as a person. He has also grown into a devoted family man.
"We feel that Haumole’s best years are ahead of him and that he can develop into an elite player who can play at State of Origin level for the NSW Blues.
“He has already played at Test level for Tonga but he is at that part of his career now where he can play State of Origin. If he plays State of Origin, it means he is playing consistent (sic). That’s his narrow focus, being consistent.
“Haumole is a high-quality player and we love having him. The club has invested in his long-term career. We want Haumole to be a one-club player.
"We feel Manly is the best club for Haumole and that he is the right person to invest in."
The news comes after the club secured Luke Brooks on a long-term deal for 2024 and beyond, while also extending dummy-half Lachlan Croker.
Haumole Olakau'atu 2023 NRL stats
| Games | 24 |
| Tries | 10 |
| Linebreaks | 11 |
| Linebreak Assists | 9 |
| Offloads | 13 |
| Avg. Run Metres | 123m |
| Avg. Tackles | 29 |
| Tackle Efficiency | 91% |
