The Dragons have officially signed South Sydney back-rower Keaon Koloamatangi on a five year deal from 2027, reportedly worth over $5 million.
The signing comes after weeks of negotiations, with both the Dragons and Eels showing interest in the Test star.
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With 126 NRL games under his belt, including the 2021 Grand final, Koloamatangi has proven a huge asset for the Rabbitohs, earning a Test debut during the 2025 Ashes series, following 10 appearances for Tonga.
The move marks one of the biggest signings in the Dragons’ recent history, with Shane Flanagan hoping the International star will bring experience and talent to a new-look side.
“We have always wanted to bring elite representative players to The Dragons and Keaon is exactly the type of team member we have been searching for,” Flanagan said.
“Pairing him with the young pack we have coming through is going to be something our members and fans will relish.”
Dragons chief executive Tim Watsford, meanwhile, lauded the signing as a “transformative moment for our club and our future”.
“Keaon is one of the premier forwards in the NRL and a proven leader. He’s someone who drives standards every single day,” Watsford said.
“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.”
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Flanagan made his recruitment intentions clear throughout 2025 as the team looks towards a middle forward, half and outside back to fill out their roster for the upcoming season.
The Dragons have not been shy in their interest around the 27-year-old, first flying him from Sydney to Wollongong via helicopter during a sales pitch last year.
Koloamatangi is headline attraction of Flanagan’s recent recruitment drive, with Cronulla utility Daniel Atkinson also joining the Red V while Josh Kerr returns for 2026.
With Koloamatangi marking a huge step towards a completed 2027 roster, the Dragons are set to remain aggressive on the recruitment market as they hope to fill out a finals contending roster for the upcoming 2026 season.
The Dragons’ win however is a huge loss for South Sydney, who put up consistent bids to retain Koloamatangi while also preparing for star players in Latrell Mitchell, Jai Arrow, Jack Wighton and Campbell Graham to come off-contract for 2027.
Koloamatangi was one of the Rabbitohs most consistent forces in an injury-ravaged 2025 season, with the loss likely to have huge consequences for the side.
Following his six years with Souths, the back-rower told Dragons media he is looking forward to a new challenge, he told Dragons media.
“I’m excited to be joining the Dragons. The club’s ambition really impressed me,” he said.
“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.
Koloamatangi will join the Dragons ahead of the 2027 preseason.
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