‘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 · The Age

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

Key Things to Know

Tonga players were nervous before facing England because Haumole Olakau'atu made repeated errors during Sipi Tau rehearsals.
Olakau'atu successfully led the pre-match Sipi Tau for the first time as Tonga defeated England 30-12 in Perth.
Olakau'atu will lead the traditional challenge again in Tonga's upcoming match against Lebanon at CommBank Stadium.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Tonga players were nervous before their match against England because forward Haumole Olakau'atu repeatedly stumbled over the words during Sipi Tau rehearsals. Teammate Isaiya Katoa and coach Kristian Woolf noted Olakau'atu made several practice errors, but the 28-year-old successfully led the pre-match cultural challenge on game day during Tonga's 30-12 victory at HBF Park in Perth.

Olakau'atu will lead the Sipi Tau again when Tonga faces Lebanon at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta. While Katoa will miss the Lebanon clash due to an ankle injury, Olakau'atu is named to start in a forward pack featuring Jason Taumalolo, Stefano Utoikamanu, and Addin Fonua-Blake.

Read the full article on The Age

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

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