South Sydney have extended the contract of exciting back-rower Keaon Koloamatangi until the end of the 2024 season.
The 23-year-old, who made his debut in 2020, has already had a taste of representative football after being included in the New South Wales State of Origin squad this year.
A member of the team that went down 14-12 to Penrith in this year’s grand final, Koloamatangi says he’s looking to go one step further next year.
“Souths is my junior club and I want to stay here for as long as I can,” Koloamatangi said.
“We made the grand final this year and that experience has made me hungrier than ever to win a premiership.
READ MORE: Leaked email reveals unvaccinated tennis stars will be allowed to partake in Australian Open
READ MORE: Manchester United hits ‘rock bottom’ after humiliating loss to Liverpool
READ MORE: Parramatta signs boom rookie as heir apparent to Mitchell Moses
“I think we have an opportunity to do that here in the short term with the players and the coaches we have and I want to be part of helping this club win its 22nd premiership.”
Season 2022 is shaping as one of significant change at the Rabbitohs, with Jason Demetriou taking over as head coach, following the departure of Wayne Bennett. Also gone are four members of the grand final side – Adam Reynolds, Dane Gagai, Jaydn Su’A and Benji Marshall.
“I love this club. I feel comfortable here and I know the club has my best interests at heart which makes me want to do my best every chance I get to represent Souths,” Koloamatangi explained.
“I’m achieving some of my personal goals here too and I’m ready to take my game to the next level next season.
“I love the members and fans too. They are the best supporters in the world and it’s an honour to play for them every time I get to pull on that jersey.
“I’m really happy to be extending my contract and I can’t wait for season 2022 to get underway.”
South Sydney’s head of football, Mark Ellison, says the decision to re-sign Koloamatangi was a simple one.
“We see Keaon as one of the cornerstones of not just our forward pack, but of our club, over the next decade so rewarding him with a further contract extension made sense,” he said.
“He’s a South Sydney junior from the Mascot club, he has worked tirelessly to get himself into the position he’s in today, he is a popular member of the team and is a leader amongst the young brigade we have at the club.”
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!