St George Illawarra have pulled off a monumental signing, securing star forward Keaon Koloamatangi on a long-term deal that signals a bold new direction for the club.
A Transformative Signing for the Red V
Dragons officials confirmed the major coup on Tuesday, announcing that Koloamatangi will join the club from the South Sydney Rabbitohs on a five-year contract commencing in 2027, tying him to the Red V until the end of the 2031 season. The deal is understood to be valued at around $5 million across its duration, marking one of the most significant signings for the club in recent memory.
The acquisition addresses a critical need for power and experience in the Dragons' forward pack. Koloamatangi, 27, brings a wealth of top-level pedigree, having represented New South Wales in State of Origin and played 14 Tests for both Tonga and Australia.
Koloamatangi Eyes Role as Driving Force
Expressing his enthusiasm for the move, Koloamatangi said the ambition shown by the Dragons was a key factor in his decision. "I'm excited to be joining the Dragons. The club's ambition really impressed me," he stated.
"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 signature is a huge vote of confidence in the Dragons' project, as the forward was reportedly pursued by several rival NRL clubs, with elite middles at a premium in the player market.
Alpha Leader for Emerging Pack
While St George Illawarra have developed promising young forwards like Dylan Egan, Hamish Stewart, and the Couchman twins in recent seasons, Koloamatangi arrives as a genuine alpha leader and proven performer. His impact was undeniable last season after a switch to the front row at South Sydney, where he established himself as one of the competition's premier middles.
His standout 2025 campaign featured dominant performances, including outplaying established stars like Payne Haas and Terrell May in consecutive weeks. During that period, he ran for a combined 494 metres and was instrumental in dragging an injury-hit Rabbitohs side to vital victories, form that earned him a Kangaroos jersey for the tour of England.
Dragons CEO Tim Watsford hailed the signing as a watershed moment. "This is a transformative moment for our club and our future," Watsford said. "Keaon is one of the premier forwards in the NRL and a proven leader. He's someone who drives standards every single day."
"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. We have a group of exceptional young forwards coming through our system, and bringing in a leader of Keaon's calibre to guide and inspire them is critical for us."
The signing provides a massive boost to the Dragons' long-term planning, giving them a cornerstone forward to build their pack around for the second half of this decade.
