Melbourne are hopeful of luring Gold Coast skipper Tino Fa’asuamaelaui back to the Victorian capital, but should they fail, Koloamatangi looms as an ideal fit, especially because of his ability to play in the middle and an edge. A left-field option would be the Broncos, especially if Payne Haas takes the big money on offer at rebel rugby competition R360.
Parramatta, meanwhile, have prop Junior Paulo off contract and money in the cap for 2027. Coach Jason Ryles often points to Eels star Jack Williams as his prototype for a forward, with a big engine and good leg speed – two qualities Koloamatangi has in abundance.
Keaon Koloamatangi played all three Tests for Australia.Credit: NRL Images
“I have to meet my manager on Tuesday and discuss a few things; it’s early days,” Koloamatangi said. “But I have two little ones and my fiancée to look after, I have to think about my family – they’re my No. 1 priority.
“There are a lot of things that will come into consideration. Playing in this [Ashes] series, I’m over the moon, and considering we didn’t too well in clubland this year, it was good to go out [on a] winning [note].
“Hanging out with players at the top of their game, and seeing how professional they are, I can’t wait to go back as a leader to the Bunnies and hopefully chase that premiership.
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“A lot of [younger] players might look up to me because I’ve played for Australia now. I have to step up, be that older player; my voice will be heard more.”
Koloamatangi started the year in the back row before being shifted to the middle by coach Wayne Bennett, a positional switch that proved a masterstroke. He was given the honour of captaining the PM’s XIII team in Papua New Guinea before joining the Kangaroos.
While Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and several other Kangaroos stayed behind in the UK for a well-deserved holiday, Koloamatangi, Canterbury’s Jacob Preston, Newcastle’s Bradman Best, Canberra’s Ethan Strange and North Queensland’s Tom Dearden were among the players to catch the last flight back to Sydney.
