Keaon Koloamatangi, an Origin and Test standout, is one of the biggest acquisitions in the Dragons’ recent history.

On a five-year contract starting in 2027, Koloamatangi, a destructive and well-respected representative forward, will become the focal point of the team’s dynamic front pack.

Having played in 126 NRL games for South Sydney over the course of six seasons, including the 2021 Grand Final, his dedication is a potent validation of the club’s trajectory and the aspirations propelling its reconstruction.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the Dragons. “I was really impressed by the club’s ambition,” Koloamatangi remarked.

“I want to be a part of spearheading that next era because I’ve been observing the team they’re creating and the young forwards emerging. I’ve enjoyed my time at Souths, but I’m excited to bring all of my skills, standards, and expertise to the Red V.

The 27-year-old will contribute exceptional strength, leadership, and real-world big-game experience to a team composed of up-and-coming middle and edge forwards.

According to Dragons CEO Tim Watsford, acquiring Koloamatangi is a calculated move to invest in a top forward who can guide the team’s exceptional group of up-and-coming middles and edges.

Watsford declared, “This is a transformative moment for our club and our future.”

“Keaon is a seasoned leader and one of the best forwards in the NRL. He is someone who upholds standards on a daily basis.

“The fact that he decided to join the Dragons and commit for five years tells you everything about where we are going, even if he had a lot of interest elsewhere.

“We need a leader of Keaon’s caliber to mentor and inspire a group of outstanding young forwards coming through our system.”

Koloamatangi, according to St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan, addressed a critical gap in the team’s forward lineup.

“Keaon is exactly the kind of team member we have been searching for, and we have always wanted to bring elite representative players to The Dragons,” he stated.

“Our members and fans will be thrilled to see him paired with the young pack we have coming through.”

Before the 2027 preseason, Koloamatangi will join the Dragons and establish himself as a key member of a team built on professionalism, leadership, power, and long-term success.

In 2026, a number of well-known players will be trying to establish themselves at new teams, including Dylan Brown moving north to Newcastle and Daly Cherry-Evans making a high-profile transfer to the Roosters.

The two most recent talents on the move in 2026 are strikebacks Brian Kelly and Tommy Talau. Kelly was cut by the Titans to sign a two-year contract with the Eels, while Talau joined the Sydney Roosters from Manchester City.

Having participated in 190 NRL games over his career, Kelly offers Parramatta a plethora of knowledge.

The versatile back, a gifted ball-runner, gives the Eels’ backline much-needed depth and impact.

Kelly has worn the Prime Minister’s XIII, Country NSW, and Indigenous All Stars shirts with pride.

Kelly, a proud Bundjalung Aboriginal man, has had a significant influence outside of football. In order to promote personal development, cultural pride, and community empowerment, he has been actively involved in initiatives that support and mentor Indigenous adolescents.

Joel Carbone, head of recruitment for the Sydney Roosters, stated that Talau’s signing was a significant boost to the team’s roster.

Carbone stated, “Tommy’s signature adds valuable depth and experience to our backline.”

“We think he’ll complement the talent we already have within our squad. He’s a strong competitor who has demonstrated he can perform consistently at NRL level,” he continued.

Since making his NRL debut in 2019, Talau has participated in 83 games.

Enforcer Leo Thompson will bring steel to the Bulldogs’ pack, sophisticated outside back Selwyn Cobbo joins the Dolphins, rising playmaker Jonah Pezet joins the Eels for one season before joining the Broncos, and seasoned No. 7 Jamal Fogarty switches from lime green to maroon and white as he joins Manly.

Can David Fifita revitalize his career at Souths under Wayne Bennett? Will Reed Mahoney give the Cowboys the X-factor and propel them back to the championship game?

Will Alofiana Khan-Pereira play more games and score more tries throughout Tasmania? For the first time since 2018, can Dan Atkinson unleash the Dragons’ offense and put them back in the top eight?

Can the Storm overcome Eli Katoa’s absence and contend for the championship again with the one-season signing of Davvy Moale?

There are a ton of fascinating plots to follow as supporters watch to see if their team made the appropriate hiring decisions to position itself for a 2026 championship run.