‘We were nervous’: Why Tonga players feared for Haumole Olakau’atu before England clash

The Manly forward was chosen to lead the pre-match Sipi Tau – regarded as the ultimate honour for a Tongan player.

By Christian Nicolussi · Brisbane Times

Published: Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 4:30 AM

Key Things to Know

Tonga players were nervous after Haumole Olakau’atu repeatedly botched the Sipi Tau words during pre-game rehearsals.
Olakau’atu delivered a flawless performance on game day prior to Tonga's 30-12 victory over England.
Olakau’atu succeeded former forward Siliva Havili, who previously led the traditional cultural challenge for about a decade.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Tonga players were nervous before their match against England because forward Haumole Olakau’atu repeatedly made rehearsal mistakes leading the Sipi Tau. Olakau’atu successfully performed the pre-match challenge on game day as Tonga defeated England 30-12 at HBF Park in Perth.

Tonga coach Kristian Woolf praised the Manly forward's leadership growth since the 2022 World Cup. Olakau’atu will lead the Sipi Tau again when Tonga faces Lebanon at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta.

Read the full article on Brisbane Times

‘We were nervous’: Why Tonga players feared for Haumole Olakau’atu before England clash

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