Rabbitohs received heartbreaking transfer blow

With an eye toward winning their first NRL championship since 2014, the Rabbitohs have locked up gun back-rower Keaon Koloamatangi, tying him down for an additional two years.

Originally signed for 2024, Koloamatangi is now bound to South Sydney through the end of 2026.
The Tongan international was previously contracted to the club for 2024.
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The wrecking ball decided to re-sign with the Rabbitohs after 9News’ Danny Weidler revealed in September that the Roosters were interested in the player, who was scheduled to become a free agent on November 1 if he hadn’t committed to the team.
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Koloamatangi could have brought in roughly $900,000 a year on the open market, according to Weidler’s calculations.

The 25-year-old, who has played for Tonga five times already, made his State of Origin debut in the third match of the current season.
He will now travel to England for a three-Test series.

Being re-signed by the Rabbitohs means the world to Koloamatangi and his family, he exclaimed.

“I wanted to get something done with the club before November 1st because we had a bit to think about.”.

I’m appreciative of how everything worked out.
My family and I are content and believe that Souths is the ideal location for our future.

“I want to win at least one competition here before I retire, and the Rabbitohs are always on my mind.”.
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After moving up from the club’s junior ranks, Koloamatangi has emerged as a vital member of the NRL side’s forward pack, according to South Sydney head of football Mark Ellison.

Ellison stated, “Keaon is a great example of how hard work and persistence can pay off.
He has worked so hard to achieve what he has so far in the game.”.

“In the COVID-affected year of 2020, he broke through for a first-grade position after rising through the ranks at South Sydney.

“Throughout his early career, he experienced ups and downs due to injuries, but he has since developed into a true professional and is now enjoying success both on and off the field.

“After representing his nation and state, he now has the Rabbitohs as his next goal on his list of accomplishments.
He will be crucial to any club success we have because he has the work ethic and the desire to succeed alongside his teammates.
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After making his NRL debut against Melbourne in 2020, Koloamatangi has played in 82 games to date.

The Rabbitohs had a disastrous 2023 season, going from being the top-ranked team after round 11 to missing out on finals football—a first for any club since the top-eight system was implemented.