The seven-minute spell that confirmed Manly have a superstar on their hands

“We all know how good Tolu is and what he can do for us – he can make something out of nothing,” Trbojevic said. “He really took the game head-on the other night.

”He’s been a very good junior, he always had raps on him, and he’s finally realised how good he is. He’s a special player. He moves unbelievably well. I often think to myself, ‘Geez, I wish I could move like that’.”

Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold said of Koula’s last-minute effort against Canberra: “He created three opportunities for us, but it’s not the first time he’s done it.

“Just look back to that game against the Bulldogs in 2024 [qualifying final], when we ran it on the last and he scored. That essentially won us the game.

“He’s a real weapon for us. He’s just a ripping young fella who cares about his footy, he cares about his teammates, and I’ve seen an enormous improvement in him the past two years.”

Such is the respect for Koula within the club that the Sea Eagles moved to nail him down until the end of 2030, bringing him into line with forward pack leader Haumole Olakau’atu. A third Tongan, prop Taniela Paseka, is tied to the club until the end of 2029.

Koula was still upset the Sea Eagles had lost their opener.

“I did my best to bring some momentum back to our side – I really went after it,” Koula told this masthead during the week.

“Luke Brooks did a good job inserting me into the game. It’s also on me to get into positions where I can receive the ball.

“I was pretty buggered. But we shouldn’t have let that game slide. Even the way we started that game, to lead 14-0, we shouldn’t have let the game slip. Hopefully, we’re better on Sunday against the Knights.”

Koula grew up as a track star, with his parents, Tolu and Ana, both Olympic representatives for Tonga. Tolu senior competed in the 100m at the Barcelona, Atlanta and Sydney Games, while Ana was a long jumper and hurdler in Sydney.

“It was pretty cool having parents like that, and most of my childhood memories were going to the track at Eastgardens [Hensley Athletic Park] with dad and my sisters [Betty and Charlotte] after school,” Koula said.

“I loved the 100m. I ran a 10.58 seconds when I was in Year 11. That was the last time I’ve been on a track. The following year was COVID, plus I had a stress fracture in my foot. I also loved footy, and got more enjoyment being on the field with the boys.

“Dad wasn’t disappointed when I dropped track for footy. He was actually a Manly fan. We grew up in the south Sydney area. Dad loved the Sea Eagles, but I went for the Roosters just to go against all of my mates who loved the Bunnies.”

Koula was approached by scouts to attend The Scots College, only to join Newington College, where it became clear he was just as handy at rugby union.

He played on one wing, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on the other, when the Australian Schoolboys defeated New Zealand in 2019 for the first time in nearly a decade.

One of the first things Koula did with his Manly contract money was buy his parents a home in the south-western Sydney suburb of Milperra.

Koula calls Bankstown – Canterbury heartland – home and said Bulldogs fans had started to recognise him at the local shops after Manly’s 2024 finals victory.

While he had the opportunity to pursue rugby, Koula said he loved league too much.

“Rugby league is fun, and if you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, you won’t get the best out of yourself,” he said.

“My parents deserve the world, and it meant a lot when I had the chance to buy them a house. I still have a lot I want to achieve in this game. I’m heading in the right direction, but I have a long way to go before I get to where I want to be.

“I’ve been here at Manly since Harold Matts. It’s always felt like home, even though I live in Bankstown. My mates are here and I want to help bring success to this club.

“I’ve got other aspirations, like playing Origin football for NSW. But the biggest thing is winning a ring here at Manly.”

Koula and Lehi Hopoate will pose a constant threat on the left edge against the Knights at 4 Pines Park on Sunday afternoon. Koula is looking to score for the 11th consecutive game at Brookvale, which would draw him level with club legend Phil Blake.

Koula debuted in 2022 when the game was still under COVID restrictions, which meant his parents could not present him his jersey. It was hand-delivered by Trbojevic instead. Time will tell if Koula eventually becomes the new owner of Trbojevic’s No. 1 jersey. But he is in no hurry.

Manly fans will be hoping their side does not leave it to the last minute to try and snatch victory against the Knights. At least Koula will ensure none of them leave before fulltime.