Monday Buzz: Phil Rothfield reveals his weekend highlights and lowlights

There’s contract drama developing at Manly involving one of the club’s most important players on the roster. Buzz Rothfield reveals his weekend HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS.

Sharks wingers Ronaldo Mulitalo (left) and Sione Katoa at Shark Park in Woolooware. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Manly has a problem over the long-term future of outstanding edge-forward Haumole Olakau’atu.

Last year his former coach Des Hasler and former CEO Stephen Humphreys told him he’d get a contract upgrade to recognise his rise to becoming one of the best second-rowers in the comp.

He was on a three-year contract but earning about half of what the top edge forwards are on.

New coach Anthony Seibold and CEO Tony Mestrov understood his position.

They have given him an upgrade for this season.

However there is no certainty about the final two years of his contract.

They will chat again at the end of the season.

Other clubs are aware of the drama and have spoken to his manager.

This guy is a potential superstar. Absolute dynamite on Manly’s right edge.

Haumole Olakau’atu is one of the game’s Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

He had a blinder opposite Billy Kikau in Manly’s impressive win over the Bulldogs at Brookvale on Saturday.

Olakau’atu has a huge chance of playing State of Origin for the NSW Blues this year, especially with doubts over Angus Crichton’s immediate playing future.

The Tongan international was born in Guilford in Sydney’s west.

Him and Liam Martin would be a lethal combination for the Blues.

The Sea Eagles do have their salary cap issues. Tom Trbojevic, his brother Jake and halfback Daly Cherry Evans are soaking a lot of the money.

Apart from Olakau’atu, they also have a sensational young centre in Toluta’u Koala who has attracted interest from Wallaby coach Eddie Jones.

HIGHLIGHT

Halfback Lachlan Ilias’ blinder for the Rabbitohs against the Sharks. He saved a try by knocking the ball out of Ronaldo Mulitalo’s hands and then scored at the other end a few minutes later for a 12-point turnaround. His performance showed why Souths were prepared to let Adam Reynolds go.

LOWLIGHT

Some shocking forward pass calls over the weekend. Different interpretations by different touch judges at different venues. A beautiful pass from Sharks halfback Braydon Trindall clearly went backwards out of his hands but floated slightly forward to Sione Katoa. It should have been a try.

Sione Katoa was denied a try thanks to poor officiating. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty

SHOOSH

The Rabbitohs have been the biggest firmers in premiership betting after an impressive win over the Sharks. They’ve been tightened from $11 into $8 on the TAB. In the other fluctuations - Manly $19 into $17, Melbourne $8 into $7. Penrith $4 out to $4.75, Parramatta $15 out to $19, Cronulla $13 out to $19 and the Raiders and Bulldogs $23 out to $34.

SPOTTED

Maybe someone at Transport NSW knew the Storm v Eels game would finish in a golden point shootout. Retired journo Charles Christian spotted this sign on Victoria Road, Ermington, on Thursday afternoon: “NRL tonight. Parramatta Stadium. Allow extra time.”

The sign warning commuters in Ermington.

SPOTTED

It’s a long way from Brookvale Oval to Menangle but Bulldogs and Kangaroos winger Josh Addo-Carr made it to watch the Miracle Mile on Saturday night after his match against the Manly Sea Eagles.

SPOTTED

It was a busy weekend for NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo. He was at CommBank Stadium on Thursday night, Brookvale on Saturday afternoon, Cronulla on Saturday night and then in Brisbane for the Roosters against the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium.

360 VIEW

Catch you on NRL 360 at 6.30pm on Fox League with Braith Anasta, Paul Kent, Brent Read and Cooper Cronk to discuss all the biggest issues from the opening round. Special guest is South Sydney Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou.