St George Illawarra Dragons to sign South Sydney star Keaon Koloamatangi for NRL 2027

Provided South Sydney do not entice a change of heart, his linking with the Dragons in 2027 is a significant boost given the club’s struggles in the player market in recent years.

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As with most clubs struggling at the wrong end of the ladder, St George Illawarra have been linked to numerous stars in recent years, with Flanagan upfront about the Dragons’ desire to land a marquee playmaker and middle forward.

Cronulla utility Daniel Atkinson is slated to play in the halves next season while Josh Kerr also returns to the club for 2026.

Skippers Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook, along with Cowboys signings Valentine Holmes and Luciano Leilua, have been the most notable signings of his tenure, but Koloamatangi is a cut above that cohort.

South Sydney’s bid to retain Koloamatangi had to take in the fact Latrell Mitchell, Jai Arrow, Jack Wighton and Campbell Graham are all off contract at the end of 2027 and essentially free agents this time next year, while David Fifita has also arrived on a two-year deal worth around $500,000 per season.

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