NRL Market Watch: South Sydney star Keaon Koloamatangi reveals why he snubbed Dragons, Raiders interest

Keaon Koloamatangi was required to navigate uncharted territory last season as NRL rivals tried to lure him out of Redfern. Read why he opted to stay with Souths and knock back suitors including St George Illawarra.

Rampaging Souths back rower Keaon Koloamatangi has broken his silence on why he knocked back massive interest from Canberra and St George Illawarra to stay at the Rabbitohs.

The NSW State of Origin forward has also declared his ambition to be the most dominant back rower in the game, pointing to the loss of seven kilograms ahead of the 2024 season, as an example of his focus.

The candid Koloamatangi’s declaration sets the scene for a brutal opening round clash with rival Manly back rower Haumole Olakau’atu

The 25-year-old was required to navigate uncharted territory last season, feeling both the excitement and pressure of being an in-demand player for the first time in his career.

The Raiders and Dragons were two of the leading suitors that tried to lure Koloamatangi out of Redfern.

“It was very difficult,’’ Koloamatangi said.

“It was the first time where I was in that ‘wanted’ stage of my career, so there was a bit to think about.

“There was talk in the media, but I couldn’t talk to them (rival clubs) until November 1 and so I got it done before then.’’

Koloamatangi re-signed with Souths until the end of 2027.

Keaon Koloamatangi knocked back interest from the Dragons and Raiders to re-sign with South Sydney.

He explained that maintaining stability for his wife Heavenly and 18-month old daughter Psalm was a major factor in the decision.

However, overwhelmingly his belief that the Rabbitohs can win the premiership led him to putting pen to paper.

“I wanted to make sure of the decision I made, that I had no regrets and that’s why I signed with Souths for a couple more years, because I really do feel like we can win,’’ Koloamatangi said from San Diego.

“I feel like this is the best place to have that chance to win.

“Ultimately it came down to winning the comp and doing what is best for my family and it was the Rabbitohs.’’

Keaon Koloamatangi believes Souths can challenge for the premiership. Picture: Getty Images

The damaging edge forward is striving for greater consistency in 2024. His first taste of a NSW Origin jersey in Origin III last season has lit a fuse in the former Mascot Jets junior.

He has dropped weight in a bid to play longer minutes and he has circled the best back-rowers in the NRL that he wants to surpass.

“The best back-rowers are probably the ones that play for their country. Liam Martin is up there, the way he defends and runs a line, he’s up there,’’ Koloamatangi said.

“Haumole is a gun too, he’s devastating in attack and Briton Nikora (Sharks) had a great year last year and of course there’s David Fifita (Titans) when he’s on.

“The big thing for me is my body weight.

“I’ve lost six or seven kilos from last year. Hopefully I can feel a big difference.

“It will be about doing what I’ve been doing except for longer minutes.

“I want to be effective for the whole 80 minutes instead of having a 10-minute spurt and then 10 minutes off.

Keaon Koloamatangi’s State of Origin debut lit a fuse. Picture: Getty Images

“Obviously playing Origin last year was a big goal for me and I don’t want to lose that spot, so I’m coming in ready to go.

“But obviously for me, that’s why I talk about my weight, I feel like if I drop my weight I can last longer in a game and I can be more effective.

“That’s the way I know I can be my best for the team and hopefully the best backrower in the comp.’’

A tragic LeBron James fan, Koloamatangi achieved a lifelong dream of witnessing the LA Lakers star take the court last week.

Koloamatangi said he couldn’t believe he’s about to play NRL in the US.

“I can’t wait to play,’’ Koloamatangi said.

“It’s crazy to think we’re playing in America.

“I’ve watched the NFL on TV and how professional it is. So it will be something crazy to run out onto Allegiant Stadium.’’

Originally published as NRL Market Watch: South Sydney star Keaon Koloamatangi reveals why he snubbed Dragons, Raiders interest