The Parramatta Eels are the frontrunners to sign Keaon Koloamatangi for a huge $4 million over the next four seasons, with any possible victory there to come over South Sydney and fellow big-spending suitors St George Illawarra.
Koloamatangi has been fielding offers for his future through this NRL offseason, with the multimillion dollar race down to just those three clubs. The Dragons and Eels are in the lead with major cash packages, while South Sydney are still hoping the second rower-come-prop will want to stay put.
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The state of play is pretty simple right now contract-wise: The Eels shape as the best soon-to-be contenders for Koloamatangi, while the Dragons have offered an extra $1 million through to 2031 to try and lure him south.
While some may say that’s overs for a forward over a half -decade, Shane Flanagan is clearly chasing a cash-splash signing to put the icing on his squad rebuild.
Then the Rabbitohs, as mentioned, have a similar offer to the Eels when it comes to length, but are hoping loyalty will beat out big pay. The Bunnies are also hoping Wayne Bennett re-signing would tip the scales.
Koloamatangi is now expected to make his decision before Christmas, though that’s just a self-set timeline rather than something any of his suitors are pushing for.
Someone who is pushing one side of the bargaining is Nathan Hindmarsh; the Eels legend has declared Parramatta must “pay this bloke” to give superstar halfback Mitchell Moses a proper gamebreaker in the pack.
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“I would pay this bloke on his current form,” Hindmarsh declared on the possible Eels signing. “Koloamatangi now that he’s moved from the edge to the middle, which I think was a great move from Wayne Bennett.
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Koloamatangi did break into the Kangaroos side this season, touring England with the Ashes squad after a level-up campaign at prop under Bennett.
Hindy added at the same time: “I think his work rate’s improved. His fitness has improved. He’s in the top five middle players right now.”
