Parramatta have tabled Keaon Koloamatangi a monster four-year offer in a bid to prise the representative forward out of South Sydney.
Koloamatangi is one of the biggest NRL stars off contract at the end of next season and his stocks rose further when he impressed during the Kangaroos’ recent undefeated tour of England. St George Illawarra have also made no secret of their desire to sign him and even flew him by helicopter to tour their facilities.
The Roosters are also monitoring the situation, given forward Angus Crichton is off contract and considering a switch to rugby at the end of next season. Perth also inquired about 27-year-old Koloamatangi’s plans, but were told he wants to remain in Sydney.
However, the Eels are shaping as a genuine threat to South Sydney’s bid to retain the former NSW and Tonga star. Sources not authorised to speak publicly told this masthead the Eels have weighed in with a four-year offer worth seven figures a season.
Parramatta officials, including coach Jason Ryles, have met with Koloamatangi and his manager.
The Eels – who have extended the tenure of exciting fullback Isaiah Iongi until the end of 2030 – have money to spend after releasing winger Zac Lomax from his contract. Under the terms of the release, Lomax cannot play for another NRL club until 2028 without Parramatta’s permission. However, it is unlikely the former Dragon will return to the Eels, despite his mooted destination, the breakaway Rugby 360 competition, no longer being an immediate option after its start date was delayed until 2028.
The Rabbitohs are desperate to retain Koloamatangi, but could rue their decision not to finalise a contract extension before November 1.
South Sydney playmaker Cody Walker, speaking at a promotion on Wednesday for Tim Tszyu’s upcoming fight against undefeated American Anthony Velazquez at Sydney’s TikTok Theatre on December 17, was hopeful Koloamatangi would finish as a one-club man.
“I’m sure everyone at the club is doing everything they can to keep him here. We as a playing group want to keep him, he’s done a fantastic job for us over the years, probably been in the top three or four players at our club last season.
“He’s been awesome.”
Tszyu was an observer as the Rabbitohs trained at their Heffron Park headquarters on Wednesday. In what might have been a pointer to how coach Wayne Bennett will utilise his backline, Latrell Mitchell trained at left centre, while Jye Gray – who recently knocked back an approach from R360 to remain a Rabbitoh – spent the session at fullback.
Another intriguing selection question is who will be Walker’s halves partner. Jayden Sullivan, Jamie Humphreys, Ashton Ward, Latrell Siegwalt and Jonah Glover are all jockeying for the No.7 jersey.
“There’s a few different players that could stand up over the pre-season,” Walker said. “I’m sure we’ll work that out when trials come in and we’ll see what happens.”
