‘I’m all in’: Fonua-Blake embraces Origin dream alongside Koula debut
Tongan NRL stars Addin Fonua-Blake and Tolu Koula are stepping into State of Origin as Pasifika players continue to shape rugby league’s biggest stage.
pmn.co.nzHere’s the latest I can share based on recent reports up to mid-2026.
Summary
- Tolutau “Tolu” Koula remains prominent in the rugby league landscape, with ongoing coverage around his State of Origin debut for New South Wales in 2026 and his contract status at Manly in 2026.
Key updates
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Club status and contract: Reports in early 2026 highlighted Koula as a key asset for Manly Sea Eagles with continued emphasis on his development and club future amid interest from other clubs. The focus was on his role in the center and his value to the Sea Eagles’ backline over the next several seasons [Yahoo Australia report on contract discussions, 2026] [NRL.com player profile updates, 2026]. These articles note his long-term commitment at Manly and his status as a core player for the club during that period.
- You can see articles noting his five-year deal and retention by Manly, illustrating his standing at the club through 2031 in early 2026 discussions [Yahoo Australia, 2026].
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Origin selection and debut: Koula was named in the New South Wales squad for State of Origin in 2026, with reports confirming his debut on the wing at Accor Stadium. This marked a continuation of his rapid rise in representative rugby league, following a season where he had been highlighted as a dynamic speed threat and a standout talent from Manly and New South Wales pathways [Yahoo Australia, 2026; PMN NZ coverage, 2026; NRL/Sports outlets, 2026].
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Background and versatility: Beyond rugby league, Koula has a background in athletics, with mentions of his parents’ Olympian credentials and his own sprinting speed. This athletic background is frequently cited in coverage of his Origin bid and his potential crossover appeal in track and field discussions, reflecting his multi-sport talents [Yahoo Australia, 2026; PMN NZ, 2026; World Athletics profile, 2025].
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Recent profiles and game-day context: Multiple outlets highlighted Koula’s role on the NSW team for Game One of the 2026 Origin series, including lineup details and the stadium context where his parents competed. This underscores his profile as a Pasifika presence on the Origin stage and his emergence as a key winger in NSW’s lineup [Yahoo Australia, 2026; PMN NZ, 2026; NRL.com, 2026].
Notes
- Because this topic is fast-moving and heavily covered by sports media, I recommend checking the latest from reputable rugby league outlets (NRL.com, NSW Rugby League, and major Australian outlets) for the most current game-day selections, injuries, and contract developments.
- If you’d like, I can pull the very latest headlines and summarize them, or compile a quick timeline of Koula’s 2025–2026 season milestones (club contract, Origin games, and notable performances).
Would you like me to fetch a concise, up-to-date timeline of Koula’s 2025–2026 season milestones with citations?