NRL signing news: South Sydney re-sign Keaon Koloamatangi; Latrell Mitchell, Tevita Tatola

South’s rookie of the year has rejected outside interest to remain at Redfern for next three years as the club turns its attention to two big names.

Man mountain Keaon Koloamatangi has signed a two-year extension with Souths. Picture: Robb Cox/NRL Photos

He is South Sydney’s reigning rookie of the year who has now committed to the club long-term.

Rising forward Keaon Koloamatangi – already under contract for next season - has now signed a new two-year deal keeping him at Redfern until the end of 2023.

A Mascot Jets junior, Koloamatangi, 22, has played 14 NRL matches since making his debut against Melbourne Storm in round four this season. He is deemed a star of the future.

“I’m really happy to have my contract sorted. I don’t really see myself playing anywhere else. My heart is here at Souths,” Koloamatangi said.

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“I love the boys and the staff here and I feel that we can do something special in the next couple of years.

“It’s an amazing team we have here and the competition for spots in the forwards will help me improve my game, as well as make me a better player and better person.”

Rabbitohs head of football, Mark Ellison, said Koloamatangi worked tirelessly to not only make his debut but then retain his place in the top side for the rest of the season.

Man mountain Keaon Koloamatangi has signed a two-year extension with Souths. Picture: Robb Cox/NRL Photos

“Keaon is a very exciting, young talent and we’re very happy to have him on board long term,” Ellison said. “One of the highlights of 2020 was seeing him make his debut and, more importantly, work hard to maintain his spot in the top 17 over the rest of the season.”

Koloamatangi’s retention comes as Souths kickstart formal contract negotiations with prop Junior Tatola while also closing in a new deal with star fullback Latrell Mitchell.

Ellison and Tatola’s manager, Isaac Moses, are in talks about extending for another two to three years. Discussed this year as a possible NSW bolter, Tatola is currently under contract at Redfern until the end of next season.

South Sydney is expected to finalise Latrell Mitchell’s contract in the coming days. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Auburn-born Tatola enjoyed a breakout season, playing 21 games this year and averaging 13 runs a game for 106 metres and 23 tackles.

Talks also continue between Souths and Mitchell’s manager, Matt Rose.

Like Tatola, Mitchell comes off after next year and is looking at a new deal spanning either two or three seasons.

Once the Mitchell deal is nailed down, Souths are then expected to release rising rugby union star Joseph Suaalii to the Sydney Roosters.

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Suaalii was on a development contract with Souths for 2021. His commitments with the club were minimal next year given Souths were allowing him considerable time to complete Year 12 studies.

Rugby union’s interest in Suaalii is also understood to have waned. Suaalii was expected to sign a deal at Bondi from 2022 but that deal now looks certain to be brought forward by a year.