Keaon Koloamatangi has been confirmed as a marquee signing for St George Illawarra – but coach Shane Flanagan admits there were some “anxious” moments.
The gun forward has inked a five-year deal with the Dragons starting in 2027, reportedly worth $1 million a year, which will keep him in Wollongong until the end of 2031.
He will see out this year with South Sydney before moving down the highway.
“I’m excited to be joining the Dragons,” the 27-year-old said via a club statement.
“The club’s ambition really impressed me. I’ve been watching the squad they’re building and the young forwards coming through, and I want to be part of driving that next era.
“I’ve loved my time at Souths, but I am looking forward to bringing my experience, my standards and everything I’ve got to the Red V.”
His signing will no doubt bring the NRL’s contract system back into the spotlight given he will play an entire season with the Rabbitohs following this news.
Souths had been attempting to keep the State of Origin and international forward while the Eels were also in the race. Perth are also believed to have expressed interest.
Dragons chief executive Tim Watsford described it as a “transformative moment” for the struggling club, who have been desperate to land a big fish for many years.
“Keaon is one of the premier forwards in the NRL and a proven leader. He’s someone who drives standards every single day,” Watsford said.
“He had significant interest elsewhere, so the fact that he chose to join the Dragons – and commit for five years – tells you everything about where we are heading.”
But the man who will be most pleased with the deal getting done is Flanagan, who took over the coaching role in 2023 but hasn’t been able to attract in-demand stars.
Flanagan’s biggest signings have been veterans Clint Gutherson, Damien Cook and Valentine Holmes but it’s the addition of Koloamatangi that has Red V fans buzzing.
Speaking to 2GB’s Wide World Of Sports Radio following the news being made official, the coach admitted the drawn-out process was a tricky one to navigate.
“It’s gone on for a couple of months to be honest and we get the confirmation that he wants to come to the club, but then you’ve got to wait another 10 days,” Flanagan said.
“It’s like a pregnant father waiting for his first child. Whilst it’s not until 2027, it’s a big signing for the club and it’s a sign of where we want to take the club.
“We needed a representative forward, we’ve got a lot of young good ones but we needed some experience there and Keaon definitely gives us that.
“He’s a quality footy player and the position he plays, he’s coming into the prime of his career. We’re getting him at a good time, he’s just played for Australia and he’s highly competitive and he wants to be part of the club and help the young players.
“We were a bit anxious, I’d like it to be earlier – but it is what it is.”
Flanagan was then asked if the Dragons would be in a position to bring Koloamatangi into the squad earlier than 2027, should the Rabbitohs look to move on.
“We haven’t even thought about it,” he said.
“There’s all that speculation, but as a club we can only worry about what we can control and that’s 2027. It’s not something we’re worried about at the moment.”
St George Illawarra have added Daniel Atkinson and Josh Kerr for this season, while also extending a host of young guns including Jacob Halangahu and Hamish Stewart.
