The Kangaroos forward set to end up as the biggest winner from the Ashes

3 months ago 11

Off-contract South Sydney forward Keaon Koloamatangi is set to turn a successful Ashes tour, in which he played in all three of the Kangaroos’ Test victories over England, into a hefty pay rise.

Koloamatangi touched down at Sydney airport late on Monday night and confirmed he was set to meet his manager on Tuesday to discuss his options beyond next season.

The 27-year-old is a Souths junior, and featured with Cameron Murray in the Mascot Jets team which won 10 straight South Sydney District premierships.

But with the arrival of back-rower David Fifita at Redfern for the next two seasons – and with Latrell Mitchell, Jai Arrow, Jack Wighton and Campbell Graham all off contract at the end of 2027 and essentially free agents this time next year – Souths will struggle to meet the $850,000-plus salary Koloamatangi will command on the open market.

NRL newcomers the Perth Bears would seem a logical choice for Koloamatangi, but he told this masthead cash would not be his only consideration when deciding his future.

“I’m not too big on ‘max’ money,” Koloamatangi said. “I still want to compete for a premiership.”

Keaon Koloamatangi met with his management on Tuesday to assess his options beyond 2026.

Canberra and St George Illawarra expressed an interest in Koloamatangi before he re-committed to Souths at the end of 2023, and are likely to seek fresh conversations.

Sources with knowledge of the situation not authorised to speak publicly confirmed the Raiders will definitely be in the market for a power forward like Koloamatangi when club legend Josh Papalii retires at the end of next year.

Melbourne are hopeful of luring Gold Coast skipper Tino Fa’asuamaelaui back to the Victorian capital, but should they fail, Koloamatangi looms as an ideal fit, especially because of his ability to play in the middle and an edge. A left-field option would be the Broncos, especially if Payne Haas takes the big money on offer at rebel rugby competition R360.

Parramatta, meanwhile, have prop Junior Paulo off contract and money in the cap for 2027. Coach Jason Ryles often points to Eels star Jack Williams as his prototype for a forward, with a big engine and good leg speed – two qualities Koloamatangi has in abundance.

Keaon Koloamatangi played all three Tests for Australia.

“I have to meet my manager on Tuesday and discuss a few things; it’s early days,” Koloamatangi said. “But I have two little ones and my fiancée to look after, I have to think about my family – they’re my No. 1 priority.

“There are a lot of things that will come into consideration. Playing in this [Ashes] series, I’m over the moon, and considering we didn’t too well in clubland this year, it was good to go out [on a] winning [note].

“Hanging out with players at the top of their game, and seeing how professional they are, I can’t wait to go back as a leader to the Bunnies and hopefully chase that premiership.

“A lot of [younger] players might look up to me because I’ve played for Australia now. I have to step up, be that older player; my voice will be heard more.”

Koloamatangi started the year in the back row before being shifted to the middle by coach Wayne Bennett, a positional switch that proved a masterstroke. He was given the honour of captaining the PM’s XIII team in Papua New Guinea before joining the Kangaroos.

While Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and several other Kangaroos stayed behind in the UK for a well-deserved holiday, Koloamatangi, Canterbury’s Jacob Preston, Newcastle’s Bradman Best, Canberra’s Ethan Strange and North Queensland’s Tom Dearden were among the players to catch the last flight back to Sydney.