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The Dragons are poised to land South Sydney back-rower Keaon Koloamatangi on a lucrative five-year deal worth around $5 million as the biggest signing of coach Shane Flanagan’s tenure.
Sources speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of negotiations have indicated that Koloamatangi has decided his future after the Dragons and Eels led interest in the Kangaroos star.
South Sydney have also presented a four-year extension worth around $1 million per season, but Koloamatangi has told St George Illawarra officials he will join the joint venture in 2027.
The Rabbitohs can now attempt to sway Koloamatangi, with negotiations between the forward and the Dragons having entered the 10-day ‘cooling off period’, when the incumbent club is afforded last rights of negotiations.
Both Parramatta and St George Illawarra had tabled seven-figure offers to Koloamatangi, given his prowess as both an edge and middle forward and impressive form for South Sydney in 2025.
Though the Rabbitohs’ season was ravaged by injuries, Koloamatangi earned an Australian Test debut on the end of season Ashes tour after 10 appearances for Tonga.
Keaon Koloamatangi at Souths training before Christmas.Credit: Louise Kennerley
The Dragons have made no secret of their interest in the 27-year-old, flying him from Sydney to Wollongong in a helicopter as part of the club’s sales pitch.
Along with Titans skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and the NRL’s No.1 prop Payne Haas, who is expected to re-sign with Brisbane, Koloamatangi has been the biggest name forward on the open market.
Provided South Sydney do not entice a change of heart, his linking with the Dragons in 2027 is a significant boost given the club’s struggles in the player market in recent years.
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As with most clubs struggling at the wrong end of the ladder, St George Illawarra have been linked to numerous stars in recent years, with Flanagan upfront about the Dragons’ desire to land a marquee playmaker and middle forward.
Cronulla utility Daniel Atkinson is slated to play in the halves next season while Josh Kerr also returns to the club for 2026.
Skippers Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook, along with Cowboys signings Valentine Holmes and Luciano Leilua, have been the most notable signings of his tenure, but Koloamatangi is a cut above that cohort.
South Sydney’s bid to retain Koloamatangi had to take in the fact Latrell Mitchell, Jai Arrow, Jack Wighton and Campbell Graham are all off contract at the end of 2027 and essentially free agents this time next year, while David Fifita has also arrived on a two-year deal worth around $500,000 per season.
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