Souths Sign Keaon Until 2026
25 year old Rabbitohs star Keaon Koloamatangi put pen to paper today on a contract extension that will keep him at the club until at least the end of 2026.
A Mascot junior, Keaon is first grade player number #1157. He made his debut off the bench against the Storm in Melbourne in 2020. Keaons’ rise from bench forward to an 80 minute edge back rower international has been remarkable. On his resume are 82 NRL games, 5 tests for Tonga and 1 State of Origin appearance. He’s scored a total of 17 tries. Keaon made his Origin debut for the Blues in 2023. A highlight of that game was Keaon showing his skill to set up a try with a brilliantly timed tap on pass.
Not Going Anywhere
The Rabbitohs fended off rival clubs that were circling and put worried club fans at ease with the knowledge that our local star won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. Keaon is an unquestionably essential member of the South Sydney pack, his damaging runs and solid defence on the right edge for team are incredibly valuable. The departure of forwards like Hame Sele, Liam Knight and Jed Cartwright did indeed place an even higher priority on securing Keaons services.
Rugby league is a business and clubs can’t always keep everyone in the ranks however fans demand that local juniors must be retained if possible. Especially those like Keaon who have also played their entire career at the club.
Always Available
Keaon always makes himself available for Rabbitohs fans. He never hesitates to give his time to Bunnies TV either. Keaon is always ready for a chat and has never hesitated to give permission to be photographed or filmed.
Keaon Statement
“It means the world to me and my family to be re-signing with the Rabbitohs,” Koloamatangi said.
“We had a bit to think about going into November 1. I wanted to get something done before then with the Club.
“I’m grateful that everything has panned out. My family and I are happy and we think that Souths is the best place to be for our future.
“There’s massive belief here that we can win comps. We’ve been very close in recent years so I didn’t want to leave and throw away all of the hard work we’ve done, as well as the hard work we have in front of us. That’s not in my DNA.
“The Rabbitohs are always in the forefront of my mind. I want to win at least one comp here before I retire.”
Mark Ellison Statement
Rabbitohs Head of Football, Mark Ellison, says Koloamatangi is a key member of the Rabbitohs forward pack.
“Keaon has worked so hard to achieve what he has so far in the game and he is a great example of how hard work and persistence can pay off,” Mr Ellison said.
“He’s risen through the ranks at South Sydney and broke through for a first grade position in the COVID-affected year of 2020. Keaons had ups and downs with injury through the early stages of his career but he has become a true professional and is now reaping the rewards on and off the field.
“He’s represented his Country and State and the next thing on his list to achieve is a Premiership with the Rabbitohs. He has the work ethic and the want to achieve this with his teammates. Keaon will play a key role in any success we have as a Club.
“He grew up alongside another South Sydney man in Cameron Murray and nothing would please us more than to see these two achieve their goals alongside each other and their teammates this coming year and into the future.
“Off field he is engaged to the beautiful Heavenly and they have started a family with the arrival last year of their daughter Psalms.
“Everyone at the Rabbitohs loves working with Keaon. We also can’t wait to see the heights he can achieve in the coming seasons in red and green.”
Dad Izzy is a regular at training. He can often be seen sitting with Cameron Murrays dad Corey. I must say that both of these guys are also terrific men, just like their sons.
Souths Sign Keaon Until 2026.
By Steve Mavin for Bunnies TV.
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