In a landmark acquisition for the National Rugby League, the St George Illawarra Dragons have successfully secured the signature of Australian representative forward Keaon Koloamatangi on a transformative five-year contract valued at approximately $5 million. The deal, finalized after the expiration of the mandatory cooling-off period, represents one of the most significant signings in the club’s modern history and concludes their prolonged pursuit of elite talent.
The 27-year-old Kangaroos star, fresh from his most consistent NRL season with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, chose the Dragons despite competing offers from Parramatta Eels and strong retention efforts from his former club. Koloamatangi’s decision follows a strategic recruitment pitch that included a symbolic helicopter journey from Sydney to Wollongong, underscoring the club’s commitment to building a competitive future.
Dragons CEO Tim Watsford described the signing as a ‘transformative moment’ for the franchise, emphasizing Koloamatangi’s reputation as one of the NRL’s premier forwards and proven leaders. ‘He’s someone who drives standards every single day,’ Watsford stated. ‘The fact that he chose to join the Dragons – and commit for five years – tells you everything about where we are heading.’
For head coach Shane Flanagan, the acquisition provides a cornerstone player around which to build a renewed premiership campaign. Drawing parallels to his 2016 championship success with dominant prop Andrew Fifita, Flanagan believes Koloamatangi’s leadership will be instrumental in developing the club’s emerging young forwards, including the Couchman brothers, Hamish Stewart, and Dylan Egan.
Koloamatangi expressed enthusiasm about joining the Red V, citing the club’s ambition and developing squad as decisive factors. ‘I’ve been watching the young forwards coming through, and I want to be part of driving that next era,’ he remarked. ‘I’m looking forward to bringing my experience, my standards and everything I’ve got.’
The move deals a significant blow to the Rabbitohs, who face mounting challenges in their forward pack following Davvy Moale’s departure to Melbourne Storm. Koloamatangi’s transition to the Dragons marks the beginning of a strategic roster rebuild aimed at returning the historic franchise to finals contention.