AAP Rugby

Koloamatangi hopes time at prop boosts NSW Origin claim

By AAP Newswire

Mar 28, 2023

Keaon Koloamatangi has set his sights on a NSW State of Origin debut, hopeful time spent at prop for South Sydney will aid his cause by demonstrating versatility.

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A wrecking-ball in the second row, Koloamatangi played almost the entire match in the middle in South Sydney's golden-point NRL win over Manly on Saturday night.

The 24-year-old grew up playing as a middle forward, and was asked by coach Jason Demetriou to slot into the role amid an injury crisis at the Rabbitohs.

There is some chance he could back up there again again on Friday night against Melbourne, as the Bunnies scramble to get troops back for the match.

Koloamatangi can see the upside for both himself and the team.

The Rabbitoh impressed in the second row for Tonga during last year's World Cup, and was considered an option for Origin last year after being in the extended squad in 2021.

NSW picked burly Cronulla centre Siosifa Talakai as a big-bodied bench option last, with Koloamatangi and Manly's Haumole Olakau'atu genuine options for Game I in Adelaide on May 31.

"It's humbling," Koloamatangi said of the suggestion that he could be a weapon for NSW.

"It's good that I'm being noticed. That's my next goal to play Origin. I'd love to do that. There's a bit of competition in my position.

"Haumole is a gun so it'd be pretty cool if me and him were together. We played together for Tonga and we're good mates.

"He's a powerful beast and we both have different playing styles. It'd be good to see one of us get in there."

Koloamatangi has not heard from Blues coach Brad Fittler about his chances, but does believe his ability to play middle may help his case.

He played part of his career there in NSW Cup, and would be ready to spend time in the middle for the Blues if needed.

"There's always versatile players in Origin," he said.

"Playing multiple positions is an advantage because you can cover a lot more. I feel a lot more comfortable on the edge, I feel more threatening on the edge."

Koloamatangi also spent time during the World Cup at dummy-half for Tonga, and said he was ready to be shifted into prop and play 80 minutes if required again on Friday.

"When I first started I was probably playing 30 minutes max - 15 either side of halftime," Koloamatangi said.

"My fitness is good and my body is feeling good. I'm handling the game a lot better. I'm not thinking about how tired I am."