EELS SECURE KOLOAMATANGI IN $4M BLOCKBUSTER TO RESHAPE FORWARD PACK
Parramatta have pulled off one of the biggest signings of the NRL off-season, luring representative forward Keaon Koloamatangi from South Sydney on a monster four-year deal worth $1 million per season.
The club confirmed the stunning coup on December 12, ending weeks of speculation that had the 27-year-old at the centre of a fierce recruitment battle. The $4 million contract is among the most lucrative ever offered to a forward in the Eels’ recent history, underscoring their determination to end a 39-year premiership drought.
Koloamatangi, who rose through the ranks at South Sydney and played 126 games for the Rabbitohs since his 2020 debut, spoke emotionally of his decision to leave his junior club but expressed excitement at the new challenge.
“Souths will always hold a special place in my heart – they nurtured me from a kid into the player I am today,” he said at a press conference at CommBank Stadium. “But sometimes you need to step outside your comfort zone, and Parramatta’s vision for success really pulled me in. I want to be part of the group that finally brings a premiership back to this club.”
The Tonga and Australia international is renowned for his powerful runs, bone-jarring tackles and impressive offloading ability, making him one of the NRL’s most dynamic utility forwards. He can play edge, lock or front row, giving Eels coach Brad Arthur invaluable tactical flexibility.
Arthur described the signing as a “statement of intent” for the club, which has fallen short of grand final success in recent years despite consistent finals appearances.
“Keaon is exactly the player we need to take our forward pack to the next level,” Arthur said. “His physicality, leadership and skill set will elevate everyone around him – from our other forwards to our backline. We’re serious about contending, and this deal proves that.”
South Sydney issued a brief statement thanking Koloamatangi for his service, describing him as “a player who will forever be part of the Rabbitohs’ story”. Fans of the Eels, meanwhile, have reacted with euphoria on social media, with many hailing the signing as the “missing piece” in their premiership puzzle.
Analysts believe Koloamatangi’s combination with halfback Mitchell Moses could prove devastating, with his ability to break the line and create opportunities set to unlock opposition defences. The pressure will now be on the powerhouse forward to justify his price tag and deliver on the Eels’ lofty ambitions.
