South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Keaon Koloamatangi has been given the medical green light to participate in this year's World Cup.
Koloamatangi made his Australian Kangaroos debut in the 2025 Ashes series against England after switching his allegiance from Tonga.
He has now given Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters plenty of selection thoughts following his availability, with post-season surgeries not a worry.
“The body's all good, I got some scans, and they've come back all sweet, so I'll be ready in the World Cup,” Koloamatangi told nine.com.au on Wednesday.
Knee surgery threatened Koloamatangi's Kangaroos campaign, but instead shapes up as a massive boost for Australia, who will be without Hudson Young and potentially Isaah Yeo.
Koloamatangi signed a reported $5 million deal over five years to make the high-profile switch to Wollongong for the St George Illawarra Dragons, who have undergone a significant roster overhaul to push off the bottom of the ladder in 2027.
It includes Koloamatangi, Scott Drinkwater, Luke Metcalf, Kodi Nikorima, Connor Watson, and Phillip Sami.
The 28-year-old enforcer called time on his career at Heffron Park in 2026, and will head into preseason as the leader of a youthful pack brimming with exciting talent next season.
“It's obviously unfamiliar territory; I've never played in another jersey than red and green – it's pretty exciting and obviously a bit nerve-wracking,” he said.
"There's some amazing young players there, and I think with me getting older, those guys are gonna help keep me young and hungry.
“I think in the leadership-style role I was growing into at Souths, joining this group will be great for me on and off the field and for my family too.”
The South Sydney local junior has notched 151 NRL games, developing from a barnstorming back rower to an enforcing prop, all in the cardinal and myrtle.
Koloamatangi had one of his strongest years to date, recording a whopping 170 running metres per game on average, while breaking 50 tackles in his 25 appearances this year.
The club bowed out of the premiership race in Week 1 of the finals against Newcastle, marking Koloamatangi's final match with the foundation side.
“Obviously I wanted to go all the way this year, but that's how life is, and that's how footy is, but I know I put my best foot forward all year,” Koloamatangi said.
“I've been a South Junior my whole life, came through the ranks, and I've managed to have a great career there. I'm very grateful for the life that I've had, the family that I have and the journey that I've been on the last six years as an NRL player.
“Souths have been nothing short of amazing, so I'm just very grateful for my time there, and now we're looking forward to the next chapter.”
If the Kangaroos select Koloamatangi for their World Cup campaign, it is likely he will join his new teammates in the Red V at the start of 2027.
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