Haumole Olakau’atu: State of Origin star reveals the shocking reason his family had to live on the run to avoid authorities when he was a child – and explains his controversial social media post

NSW State of Origin star Haumole Olakau’atu has opened up about his chaotic childhood, which saw him live life on the run with his family as they side-stepped Australian immigration officials.

The powerful backrower – who will make his Blues debut in the series opener on June 5 in Sydney – also addressed a previous social media post, where he controversially stated he has ‘been a Maroons [fan] since day dot’.

Growing up in Sydney’s west, Olakau’atu was constantly on the move as a youngster, with a genuine fear the family would be deported back to their native Tonga.

When the Sea Eagles star was 10, his papers arrived and he quickly became an Australian citizen.

‘My parents did everything they could to protect us from what was going on,’ Olakau’atu told News Corp.

Haumole Olakau’atu is pictured posing with overjoyed family members in front of the home he bought them last year

The NRL star – who will make his Origin debut for NSW on June 5 – previously stated his parents arrived in Sydney ‘with nothing’ after moving to Australia from Tonga

The home Olakau’atu purchased for $960,000 has four bedrooms with an open-plan living and dining area

The Sea Eagles star (pictured left) made his NRL debut in 2019 and is now one of the best forwards in the game

‘It wasn’t until I was around nine, I kind of knew then what was happening and why we were always moving around from different houses.

‘But it all worked out, they were fortunate enough to get their citizenship not long after I did.’

As he became an established first grader player, the hulking Tongan international made sure he didn’t squander his contract money. 

In heartwarming scenes, the 25-year-old purchased a home for his family last July, with his mother overcome with joy. 

The good times are set to continue, with the athletic forward recently inking a monster deal worth a reported $8million to stay at the Sea Eagles until the end of 2031.

Olakau’atu has also asked Blues fans for forgiveness in relation to his Instagram post from a number of years ago.

‘I don’t know what I was thinking … I was stupid, I was childish,’ he said.

‘[When coach Michael Maguire called on Sunday] my mind just went blank – I remember the first few words he said on the phone – and the rest was all a blur. 

‘I can’t remember anything else, but I was stoked. I had my old man next to me, he was in tears – it was a very special moment.’

Zac Lomax, Joseph Suaalii, Dylan Edwards, Cameron McInnes and Spencer Leniu will join Olakau’atu as Blues debutants.