Keaon Koloamatangi is managing ligament damage but remains determined to play every week as the Rabbitohs prop eyes a return to State of Origin ahead of Magic Round.
Playing Through Injury
Keaon Koloamatangi has been battling ligament damage in recent weeks but insists he’s ready to take the field whenever called upon. The prop forward confirmed he’s dealing with the injury but isn’t seeking special treatment from coach Wayne Bennett.
“If I take the field I’m letting coach know that I’m 100 per cent,” Koloamatangi said. “I’m not getting any special treatment because I’m somewhat feeling not as good, not 100 per cent, but I make sure Wayne knows that if I take the field I expect to do my job on the field.”
The injury doesn’t require needling and can’t be treated that way, leaving Koloamatangi to manage the discomfort while continuing to contribute to the team’s strong start to the season. He emphasised that playing is preferable to sitting out, with his body feeling better each week thanks to work with the Club’s physiotherapy staff.
Origin Aspirations
With New South Wales Origin teams to be named on Monday, Magic Round looms as the final audition for aspiring Blues players. Koloamatangi, who played one game for New South Wales a couple of years ago, has been mentioned as a potential selection after cementing his role as a front rower at the Rabbitohs.
The 26-year-old acknowledged his form hasn’t been at its best in recent seasons but believes he’s playing some of his strongest football in his current position. “I’ve cemented a front row spot at the Club and I’m feeling like one of the better players in that comp in that position,” he explained. “If I was to get the call I wouldn’t let him down, so that’s up to him and I’m sure he’ll pick the best team possible and the team will get the job done.”
Koloamatangi downplayed the notion that one game would determine selection, suggesting selectors would consider the entire start of the season. His focus remains on performing for South Sydney, with representative honours a welcome consequence rather than the primary goal. He described wearing the Blues jersey at home as one of the pinnacle moments of his career and said getting back there remains a long-term ambition, whether this year or beyond.
Teammate Origin Hopes
Koloamatangi is confident Cameron Murray and Latrell Mitchell will feature in the Blues squad, while making a strong case for winger Campbell Graham to earn his first Origin call-up. The prop has played alongside Graham since the age of 15 and believes his long-time teammate is one of the competition’s most underrated players.
“Campbell deserves it man,” Koloamatangi said. “He’s probably one of the most underrated players in the comp. I’ve been lucky enough to play with him since I was 15 and the stuff that he does on the field, especially as a back, as a middle you sort of appreciate your backs that roll up their sleeves and do the dirty work for you and Campbell’s one of those blokes that does it week in week out. In Origin you need those sort of players and to me I feel like he’s one of the best wingers in the comp and I think he deserves it.”
The prospect of playing Origin alongside childhood teammates would be special, Koloamatangi noted, something that few players get to experience and would be memorable to reflect on after their careers conclude.
Young Guns Stepping Up
The Rabbitohs have been managing a significant injury toll this season, with Mitchell, David Fifita, Alex Johnston, Matthew Humphries and others spending time on the sidelines. Koloamatangi credited the Club’s depth and the development of younger players through another year of experience and a strong pre-season.
Many of the emerging players tasted first grade for the first time last year and returned hungry to improve, lifting the standards of the entire squad during pre-season training. The reserve grade side’s strong performances have also contributed, with quality training opposition helping the top squad maintain high standards.
Halfback Ashton Ward has particularly impressed Koloamatangi with his composure and toughness despite his smaller stature. Ward brings a calmness to the team with his kicking game and work ethic, with the prop describing him as having the heart of a lion. “Over the last couple of pre-seasons it’s been pretty physical and all the boys, no matter how big or small you are, you just run at each other and I think he’s held his ground,” Koloamatangi said. “Other clubs probably do some video on him and try and get the big boys at him but he’s always gonna put his body in front whether he gets dragged back 10 metres, but he’s not gonna step out of the way.”
Koloamatangi believes Ward has a massive career ahead and could be the Club’s number seven for a long time, praising how the young halfback controls games and kicks to the corners to help the forwards.
Mitchell and Johnston Updates
Latrell Mitchell is expected to be available for selection this week after missing the previous round with back soreness following a short turnaround. Koloamatangi said Mitchell looked good at training and should pull up well, with the back issue not considered major long-term or a threat to his Origin availability.
Alex Johnston also continues to defy injury concerns, scoring a hat-trick on the weekend despite dealing with a knee problem. Koloamatangi joked that Johnston just wants to keep scoring tries and extending his record, with the veteran winger playing through discomfort to stay on the field. Having played since he was 18 with relatively few injuries, Johnston appears determined to keep adding to his try-scoring tally and maintain his distance from those chasing his records.
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