NRL signing news: South Sydney re-sign Keaon Koloamatangi; Latrell Mitchell, Tevita Tatola
South’s rookie of the year has rejected outside interest to remain at Redfern for next three years as the club turns its attention to two big names.
Dean Ritchie
November 23, 2020 - 3:15PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-signing-news-south-sydney-resign-keaon-koloamatangi-latrell-mitchell-tevita-tatola/news-story/4f4838a73457b53d0ef6453d6b7cbd8a
He is South Sydney’s reigning rookie of the year who has now committed to the club long-term.
Rising forward Keaon Koloamatangi – already under contract for next season - has now signed a new two-year deal keeping him at Redfern until the end of 2023.
A Mascot Jets junior, Koloamatangi, 22, has played 14 NRL matches since making his debut against Melbourne Storm in round four this season. He is deemed a star of the future.
“I’m really happy to have my contract sorted. I don’t really see myself playing anywhere else. My heart is here at Souths,” Koloamatangi said.
I love the boys and the staff here and I feel that we can do something special in the next couple of years.
“It’s an amazing team we have here and the competition for spots in the forwards will help me improve my game, as well as make me a better player and better person.”
Rabbitohs head of football, Mark Ellison, said Koloamatangi worked tirelessly to not only make his debut but then retain his place in the top side for the rest of the season.
Koloamatangi’s retention comes as Souths kickstart formal contract negotiations with prop Junior Tatola while also closing in a new deal with star fullback
Latrell Mitchell.
Ellison and Tatola’s manager, Isaac Moses, are in talks about extending for another two to three years. Discussed this year as a possible NSW bolter, Tatola is currently under contract at Redfern until the end of next season.
Auburn-born Tatola enjoyed a breakout season, playing 21 games this year and averaging 13 runs a game for 106 metres and 23 tackles.
Talks also continue between Souths and Mitchell’s manager, Matt Rose.
Like Tatola, Mitchell comes off after next year and is looking at a new deal spanning either two or three seasons.
Once the Mitchell deal is nailed down, Souths are then expected to release rising rugby union star
Joseph Suaalii to the Sydney Roosters.
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