Christmas has arrived a little later than expected for St George Illawarra supporters, but the gift may prove to be one of the most significant in the club’s modern history. The Dragons have moved decisively to secure one of the NRL’s premier forwards, with Keaon Koloamatangi agreeing to a long-term deal that reshapes the club’s future and sends a clear signal that the Red V are serious about climbing back into contention. The Australian representative prop is understood to have committed to a five-year contract worth close to $5 million, commencing in 2027, a deal that is now sitting in its cooling-off period.
For a club that has spent several seasons searching for a genuine marquee player to anchor its rebuild, the signing represents a major circuit breaker. The Dragons have been vocal behind the scenes about the need to attract elite talent rather than relying solely on internal development, and landing Koloamatangi delivers exactly that. At 27 by the time he arrives at Wollongong, he will be entering the prime years of a front-rower’s career, bringing not only size and aggression but also leadership forged at the highest levels of the game.
Koloamatangi’s decision did not come lightly. His current club, South Sydney, were eager to retain him and had tabled their own long-term proposal, recognising his value as one of the competition’s most destructive middle forwards. Parramatta also mounted a serious bid, seeing him as a cornerstone piece in their own plans to return to the top tier. In the end, it was the Dragons who prevailed, reportedly gazumping both rivals with a package that reflected both financial commitment and a clear football vision.
Those close to the negotiations say the Dragons’ pitch went beyond dollars. While the money was significant, the club sold Koloamatangi on the opportunity to be the face of a new era. After years of inconsistency and missed finals campaigns, St George Illawarra have been searching for an identity, particularly in the middle of the field where premierships are often won. Koloamatangi’s blend of power running, relentless defence and ability to play big minutes made him the ideal candidate to lead that charge.
From a football perspective, the signing addresses one of the Dragons’ most pressing needs. Despite flashes of promise from younger forwards, the club has lacked a genuine enforcer capable of bending defensive lines and setting a platform week after week. Koloamatangi has built his reputation at South Sydney on doing exactly that. Rarely taking a backward step, he consistently ranks among the competition leaders for post-contact metres, tackle efficiency and work rate, traits that have seen him progress from a promising youngster to a regular representative player.
His rise has been steady rather than spectacular, shaped by resilience and a willingness to embrace the tough carries that define elite props. Since debuting in the NRL, Koloamatangi has earned the respect of teammates and opponents alike for his professionalism and competitive edge. Those qualities have not gone unnoticed by the Dragons, who see him as someone capable of setting standards both on and off the field.
The timing of the deal is also significant. With the contract not beginning until 2027, St George Illawarra have given themselves breathing room to manage their salary cap and continue shaping the roster around their new recruit. It allows the club to retain key developing players while also leaving space to chase further signings, knowing that a marquee forward is already locked in for the long haul. For Koloamatangi, it provides clarity about his future while allowing him to remain focused on delivering for South Sydney over the next two seasons.
Reaction from Dragons supporters has been swift and overwhelmingly positive. After years of frustration, many see the move as evidence that the club is finally willing to be bold in the market. Social media lit up with messages welcoming Koloamatangi and praising the administration for landing a genuine star. Former players and commentators were equally quick to note the significance of the signing, describing it as one of the most important acquisitions the joint venture has made since its formation.
Within the Dragons’ hierarchy, there is a sense of quiet satisfaction rather than celebration. Club officials are aware that one signing alone will not transform fortunes overnight, but they believe Koloamatangi can be a catalyst. His presence is expected to lift standards across the squad, particularly among the younger forwards who will train alongside him and learn what it takes to perform consistently at an elite level.
For South Sydney, the loss will sting. Koloamatangi has become an integral part of their forward rotation, valued not just for his output but for the edge he brings in big games. The Rabbitohs have invested heavily in his development and hoped he would remain a long-term fixture. While they still have time to plan for life after him, replacing a forward of his calibre will not be easy, particularly in a market where elite middle forwards are scarce.
Parramatta, too, will be left to reassess their recruitment strategy. The Eels were confident they could lure Koloamatangi west, believing his style would suit their pack and complement their existing stars. Missing out is a blow, but it also underscores how competitive the player market has become, with clubs increasingly willing to commit significant resources to secure game-changing talent.
The size of the deal has inevitably sparked discussion about risk. Five-year contracts for forwards are always scrutinised, given the physical toll of the position. However, the Dragons appear comfortable with the gamble, pointing to Koloamatangi’s durability, conditioning and professionalism. He has shown an ability to handle heavy workloads without significant injury interruptions, and his playing style, while aggressive, is built on technique as much as brute force.
There is also confidence that the structure of the deal will allow for flexibility, with performance-based components designed to protect the club while rewarding excellence. In that sense, the Dragons see the contract as an investment rather than a reckless splurge, one aligned with a broader strategy to rebuild credibility and competitiveness.
Looking ahead, Koloamatangi’s arrival could influence the Dragons’ approach to retention and development. Young forwards coming through the system will have a clear benchmark to aspire to, while established players may find renewed motivation knowing a representative star is joining the pack. Coaches will relish the prospect of building a forward rotation around someone capable of dominating the middle third, freeing up attacking players to play with more freedom.
For Koloamatangi himself, the move represents a new challenge. Leaving a successful club with premiership ambitions is never easy, but the chance to help transform a proud but struggling organisation carries its own appeal. Those who know him say he is motivated by responsibility and thrives when given leadership roles, something the Dragons are expected to offer from the moment he arrives.
The broader NRL landscape will also take note. High-profile signings like this can have a ripple effect, influencing where other players choose to land and how clubs position themselves. The Dragons’ success in landing Koloamatangi may encourage other targets to view the club differently, no longer as an afterthought but as a destination willing to back its vision.
As the cooling-off period ticks away, there is cautious optimism that the deal will be finalised without complication. If it does, the Dragons will enter the next phase of their rebuild with a cornerstone player secured and a renewed sense of belief. For a fan base starved of good news, the signing offers hope that the long climb back toward relevance has taken a decisive step forward.
Ultimately, the true measure of the deal will be judged not by headlines or contract values but by performances and results. If Keaon Koloamatangi can bring the same intensity and consistency to St George Illawarra that he has shown elsewhere, the Dragons may look back on this late Christmas present as the moment their fortunes began to turn.
