The advice helping Koula realise his Origin dream

It won’t come as a surprise that the form of dynamic outside back Tolutau Koula has coincided with that of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles on the way to six wins from their past seven matches.

But when asked what has had the biggest impact for him in recent times, it was some wisdom from coach Kieran Foran that may well have put Koula on the path to making his Westpac NSW Blues debut on Wednesday 27 May at Accor Stadium.

“‘Foz’ (Foran) has just allowed me and pushed me to play my own game and go out there with confidence, and just attack everything,” Koula said.

“I think for the past few weeks the biggest thing for me is just inserting myself as much as I can into games.

“Foz has really pushed me to do that, and it’s really given me the confidence to be myself and do my thing on the field.”

Koula’s certainly shown that on the field of late, often providing the spark with a burst through the line or turn of foot. But a returning Blue who’s also had a similar kind of impact on his way to regaining an Origin jersey is teammate Haumole Olakau’atu. 

And the NSW winger is more than happy to have a front row seat once again.

“It’s definitely better playing alongside him (Olakau’atu) than against him,” he said.

“I see edges that defend against him and I’m happy it’s not me.

“The past month or two Haumole’s been the form back-rower, he’s put everyone on notice, and he’s deserved a starting spot - there’s no one more deserving.”

As for his Blues side, Koula had plenty of praise for quality around the room, and he was especially keen to link up in a back five full of players he looked up to himself.

“Being in a back five that’s star-studded, like the one that we have,” Koula said.

“I’m just looking forward to training with those guys, the likes of Stephen Crichton, Kotoni Staggs, Tedesco, Brian To’o.

“Really excited to share the training paddock with them, and eventually the field, and just learning from them too.”