Parramatta Eels are reportedly on the verge of landing one of the NRL’s most damaging forwards, with Rabbitohs star Keaon Koloamatangi edging closer to a blockbuster switch amid fierce competition for his signature.
The South Sydney representative enforcer is facing a career-defining decision, weighing up offers believed to be worth around $1 million per season from three rival clubs. However, Parramatta have emerged as the frontrunners, with negotiations understood to be at an advanced stage as the Eels look to dramatically bolster their forward pack.
Koloamatangi has been a standout performer for the Rabbitohs, developing into one of the competition’s premier middle forwards through his explosive running, defensive workload and durability. His rise has not gone unnoticed across the league, placing South Sydney under enormous pressure to retain a player regarded as central to their long-term plans.
In response, the Rabbitohs have launched a last-ditch bid to keep the 26-year-old at the Burrow. Club officials are believed to be stressing his importance to the team’s leadership core, his strong connection to the club, and the opportunity to remain a cornerstone of their push back into premiership contention. However, matching the financial firepower on offer elsewhere remains a significant challenge under the salary cap.
If the Eels succeed, securing Koloamatangi would represent a major recruitment coup and a clear statement of intent as Parramatta reshape their squad for sustained success. A final decision is expected soon, with the outcome set to have major ramifications across the NRL landscape.
