South Sydney star Keaon Koloamatangi has become the centre of one of the biggest bidding wars of the off-season, with multiple clubs fighting for the representative forward’s services.
While it was thought months ago the Rabbitohs would retain their number one forward, interest in his services has been intense and has produced massive offers that put Souths at real risk of losing Koloamatangi.
Reports surfaced last week that the Dragons had taken Koloamatangi on a lavish tour of their facilities, including transportation to Wollongong via private helicopter.
In huge news, it is now being reported the Dragons are prepared to table a staggering $5 million deal over 5 years to prise the big forward out of Redfern in one of the richest contracts to come from the Red V, according to Michael Chammas from SMH on The Bye Round Podcast.
MORE: Roosters targeting one of the NRL's best forwards
The powerhouse forward is off contract at the end of 2026, but his rise into one of the NRL’s elite middles has placed him firmly on the radar of several clubs hunting a marquee signing.
Fresh off an impressive Ashes campaign with Australia, Koloamatangi has never been more in demand as he hits the prime years of his career, and the fact he has shown an ability to be both an elite edge and middle forward has only increased his market.
The Raiders and Eels have also been linked, with both clubs monitoring his situation as he weighs up his long-term future, and while no official news of a Perth Bears approach has surfaced, it is logical the expansion club would also be watching closely given their immense salary cap space.
South Sydney, meanwhile, are fighting hard to keep him, but simply cannot come close to matching the money being thrown his way by the Dragons.
Koloamatangi has made it clear he isn’t just chasing “max money” alone, insisting his premiership ambitions remain a major factor in his decision, but with an offer like the Dragons are reportedly putting forward, it would be hard for any player not to consider the financial side.
With that in mind, Koloamatangi has also stressed the importance of supporting his young family, acknowledging that financial security will still play a role in wherever he lands.
The 25-year-old said he will meet with his manager to work through the options, believing his recent experience with the Kangaroos has prepared him to return to the Rabbitohs as a stronger leader.
With multiple clubs armed with cap space and a generational forward on the market, Koloamatangi’s future is shaping as one of the defining storylines of the 2026 roster shuffle.
If the Dragons push ahead with their mammoth $5 million bid, they could finally land the game-changing signing they’ve been chasing for years.