Bizarre axing of Haumole Olakau’atu shocks Origin legends
From Freddy and the Eighth by 9Podcasts
June 10, 2026 · 42 min · Season 4 · Episode 13
About this episode
Brad Fittler and Andrew Johns discuss the surprising axing of Haumole Olakau’atu and analyze the current state of the NRL.
NSW legends Brad Fittler and Andrew Johns try to make sense of the axing of Haumole Olakau’atu. Joey believes Casey McLean will recover in time to play Game 2, but has serious doubts over Mitchell Moses. Red Hill in turmoil, Broncos season in jeopardy and the boys pinpoint where the major issue lies. (0:00) Jai Arrow at the Big Freeze (0:51) Rabbitohs to honour Jai (1:43) Kane Evans’ emotional interview (4:25) Olakau’atu axed from Origin (6:31) Dylan Lucas primed to perform (8:17) Joey’s weather forecast (8:38) Injury cloud around Casey McLean (9:18) How does Daley utilise Api? (9:54) D-Day for Mitchell Moses (11:05) Payne Haas returns (12:25) NRL pedigrees with Joey & Freddy (13:25) 1997 State of Origin series (15:10) Playing under Tommy Raudonikis (16:02) How will Billy use Reece Walsh? (17:41) Difficulty of managing interchanges (18:34) Will Marky Mark’s name fit on the jersey? (18:58) Multiple changes to the Maroons (19:19) Ponga-Munster-Walker combo (19:39) Ponga-Munster feud (20:07) Joey and Freddy’s feud (20:58) Best position for Walsh off the bench? (22:17) Red Hill in turmoil (22:54) Broncos’ run home (23:44) Madge at risk of…
People in this episode
Hosts: Freddy, Joey
Guests: Brad Fittler, Andrew Johns
Topics covered
- Origin selection
- Injuries
- NRL analysis
- Broncos performance
- State of Origin history
Keywords
- Haumole Olakau’atu
- Mitchell Moses
- Casey McLean
- Broncos
- State of Origin
Sponsors
Sportsbet
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Broncos, Rabbitohs, Maroons, Blues
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- Andrew Johns & Brad Fittler dissect the NSW & QLD Squads · May 21, 2026 · 46 min
- Ivan Cleary's departure STUNS Freddy and Joey · May 14, 2026 · 44 min
- Stories of Origin: Nathan Cleary’s Masterclass · May 8, 2026 · 26 min
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