South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Keaon Koloamatangi has reportedly been handed a $900,000 price tag by his manager as NRL clubs circle the in-demand representative star.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald’s Michael Chammas, Koloamatangi, who became free to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1 has now made a decision on his preferred position moving forward.
Koloamatangi’s management team is pitching him as a prop, with the powerhouse forward producing some of his best performances in the front row under Wayne Bennett this season.
While the 26-year-old has built his reputation as a back rower, he is reportedly set to make a permanent switch to prop when he joins a new club from 2017.
“With Keaon, I have heard his manager is asking for $900,000,” Chammas said on Triple M.
“They are pitching him as a front rower, so not sure if clubs are going to bite at $900,000 but he’s an Australian and NSW representative.
“He’s a good player, he was South Sydney’s best player this year in a disappointing team. $900,000 sounds like a lot, but when you actually think about it.
“I think front rowers are worth more than back rowers — the premier front rowers in the comp are worth more. Look at Addin (Fonua-Blake) who is getting paid $1 million.
“You look at Payne Haas, $1.2 million to $1.3 million, so the value is there.”
Koloamatangi is managed by Tyran Smith, who is also overseeing Payne Haas’ contract negotiations with the Brisbane Broncos.
According to 9News’ Danny Weidler, Smith’s insight into the NRL prop market could play a major role in determining Koloamatangi’s next deal.
“I interviewed Keaon Koloamatangi and he said he was going to market because he hasn’t heard much else about where his situation was at,” Weidler said.
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