Koloamatangi wants to "drive next era" at Dragons after deal confirmed

Keaon Koloamatangi has revealed he wants to impart his experience on St George-Illawarra's young forward pack as the Dragons confirm the star forward's signing.

Koloamatangi's five-year deal worth in excess of $5 million has been made official by the Dragons.

The Australian prop will lead the Dragons' young forward pack until 2031. The pack includes some of the game's best developing talent, including Toby and Ryan Couchman, Hamish Stewart, Dylan Egan, Loko Pasifiki Tonga, and Jacob Halangahu to name a few.

"I’m excited to be joining the Dragons," Koloamatangi said.

"The club’s ambition really impressed me. 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 has played 126 games in the NRL, and represented NSW, Australia, and Tonga on the representative stage.

The Dragons beat out Koloamatangi's current club, the Rabbitohs, and the Eels for the representative prop's signature in the club's biggest signing under Shane Flanagan.

"Keaon is one of the premier forwards in the NRL and a proven leader," Flanagan said.

"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.

"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.

"Pairing him with the young pack we have coming through is going to be something our members and fans will relish."

Koloamatangi will play the 2026 season with the Rabbitohs before joining the Dragons ahead of the 2027 season.