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Dragons' star signing 'couldn't care less' about form
Jasper Bruce, AAP •  March 31st, 2026 1:00 pm
Souths' Keaon Koloamatangi isn't concerned his future NRL club is winless to start this season | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Keaon Koloamatangi "couldn't care less" that St George Illawarra sit last on the ladder after a month of the NRL season, even as he prepares to become the Dragons' marquee recruit next year.
Koloamatangi has transformed from solid second-rower to elite middle forward since Wayne Bennett returned to South Sydney last season.
NSW coach Laurie Daley said earlier this month he would be in the mix for a State of Origin recall if he maintained his form, with the 27-year-old looming among the most exciting acquisitions in Saints' recent history.
But since Koloamatangi signed his mega five-year Dragons deal in January, the club has slumped to last on the ladder with four consecutive defeats to begin 2026.
The Dragons will be back at home against the Cowboys after their two most recent losses on the road | Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP
Fall to North Queensland this weekend and the Dragons will be on a nine-game losing streak - their longest slide as a merger club.
The poor form has barely been on Koloamtangi's radar, much less caused him anxiety.
"I don't really watch too much footy, to be honest," he said.
"At the moment, I couldn't care less the way any other team's doing.
"My sole focus is the Rabbitohs. Whoever I'm versing, I hope we beat 50-0. Even though I'm going there next year, it doesn't play on my mind at all."
Keaon Koloamatangi's early season form has him in the conversation for an Origin recall | Photo: AAP
Koloamatangi's arrival will be transformative for the club's highly-rated crop of young forwards.
"That time will come," Koloamatangi said.
"There's nothing I can do right now, to be honest. Whatever happens, happens. Like I said, I don't really care about them at the moment."
Bennett was scathing in his post-match appraisal of the Rabbitohs' most recent game, a 20-16 defeat of Wests Tigers in round three.
But following Souths' round-four bye, Bennett returned to training in a better mood ahead of the traditional Good Friday clash with Canterbury.
Wayne Bennett is hoping to get the chocolates in Souths' next Easter installment against the Dogs | Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP
"(He's) a lot happier, he had his break, he went back to Queensland, he refreshed himself, looked after his cows, so I think he's happy," Koloamatangi said.
Campbell Graham looks set to return from a minor shoulder injury to line up on the right wing after training with the team on Tuesday.
Brandon Smith has resumed training following his calf injury, but spent most of his time with the reserves on Tuesday and may be given an extra week to rest.
"He looked really sharp today, he's flying now. It'll be this week or next week, for sure," said Souths centre Jack Wighton.
