Star’s huge World Cup decision ahead of $5m Dragons move
Dragons-bound forward Keaon Koloamatangi is preparing for life at a new club after spending his entire career with South Sydney.
But before he starts pre-season training in Wollongong, the 28-year-old has given Kangaroos selectors a major boost heading into the Rugby League World Cup.
Keaon Koloamatangi played for the Kangaroos last year. CameraSport via Getty Images
“The body’s all good, I got some scans and they’ve come back all sweet, so I’ll be ready in the World Cup,” Koloamatangi told nine.com.au at the Dally Ms.
Koloamatangi played in last year’s Ashes series for Australia and is expected to be part of Kevin Walters’ squad for the upcoming tournament, despite initial fears that he could be forced to undergo knee surgery and miss the World Cup.
The likely selection for the World Cup ends another banner year for Koloamatangi – but one that ended on a sombre note with the Rabbitohs.
The proud Mascot Jets local junior was enormous for the Bunnies all season and was at his best in the elimination final against Newcastle, despite his side going down 20-10 in an upset to the eventual NRL grand finalists.
“Obviously I wanted to go all the way this year, but that’s how life is and that’s how footy is, but I know I put my best foot forward all year,” Koloamatangi said.
“I’ve been a South Junior my whole life, came through the ranks and I’ve managed to have a great career there. I’m very grateful for the life that I’ve had, the family that I have and the journey that I’ve been on the last six years as an NRL player.
“Souths have been nothing short of amazing, so I’m just very grateful for my time there and now we’re looking forward to the next chapter.”
That next chapter will see Koloamatangi join the Dragons on a five-year deal worth an estimated $5 million, making him one of the game’s highest-paid props.
Koloamatangi said he is looking forward to the opportunity and had a beaming smile on his face when asked about St George Illawarra’s young crop of forwards, headlined by the Couchman twins, Hamish Stewart and Loko Pasifika Tonga.
Stewart was a surprise selection in the Dally M Team of the Year on Wednesday night and is considered a Kangaroos bolter.
“It’s obviously unfamiliar territory, I’ve never played in another jersey than red and green – it’s pretty exciting and obviously a bit nerve-wracking,” he said.
“There’s some amazing young players there and I think with me getting older, those guys are gonna help keep me young and hungry.
“I think in the leadership-style role I was growing into at Souths, joining this group will be great for me on and off the field and for my family too.”
Koloamatangi played 151 games for the Rabbitohs and has gone from a talented edge forward to one of the elite front-rowers in the NRL.
He will likely join his Dragons teammates for pre-season training in the new year, assuming he plays for the Kangaroos in the World Cup.
