- Haumole Olakau’atu lost a relative, 13, to bullying
- Cousin saw his ‘personality overtaken by sadness’
- Footy star posted the devastating news on Instagram
NRL star Haumole Olakau’atu is mourning the death of his 13-year-old cousin, blaming bullying for the tragedy in a raw Instagram post.
The Manly Sea Eagles enforcer – who is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury – took to Instagram on Monday to post the devastating news.
‘I love you Mahoni I’m sorry little toko,’ the heartbreaking post began.
‘I (have) lost my baby cousin to bullying, he was energetic, loud and loved to sing & dance with a big smile on his face, until one day kids at school tormented that smile, dimmed his light and his fun, energetic personality was overtaken by sadness.
‘He was only 13.
‘Our hearts will forever be broken because of “words” or “mockery” so please parents, teach your kids to be kind.
NRL star Haumole Olakau’atu (pictured with partner Ana Ilavalu) is mourning the death of his 13-year-old cousin
The Manly Sea Eagles enforcer took to Instagram to post the devastating news (pictured)
In December of 2023, Olakauátu (pictured with Ilavalu) signed a contract extension with the Sea Eagles that runs until 2031
‘I would rather be a nobody than a evil somebody.
‘I Love You Mahonlai, you will never be forgotten. Forever13.’
The likes of former cross-code superstar Sonny Bill Williams, Roosters backrower Angus Crichton, Manly teammate Matt Lodge and Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa were among many who passed on their condolences online.
In May last year ahead of his State of Origin debut for NSW, Olakau’atu opened up about his chaotic childhood, which saw him live life on the run with his family as they sidestepped Australian immigration officials.
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.
Thankfully, 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 said at the time.
‘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.’
And in heartwarming scenes in 2023, the Tongan international purchased a home for his family.
He then signed a monster deal worth a reported $8million to stay at the Sea Eagles until the end of 2031.
Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis counselling. Call 13 11 14
The Suicide Call Back Service provides 24/7 support. Call 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue aims to increase awareness of depression and anxiety. Call 1300 22 4636
