Keaon Koloamatangi has revealed his desire to achieve a childhood dream triggered his decision to change his representative allegiance from Tonga to the Kangaroos. 

The Rabbitohs star has previously played for Tonga but opted to chase a spot in the Australian side for the upcoming Ashes series. Koloamatangi is one step closer to achieving his goal after earning a place in the Kangaroos squad. 

The move bucks a recent trend, in which NRL stars pledge their allegiance to their nations of heritage. 

Koloamatangi, however, declared he first dreamt of wearing the green and gold jersey as a kid growing up in Sydney’s Inner West.


599″, “>809”, “>959″]”
data-eqio-prefix=”video-post-screen”
ref=”root”
>



Up Next



/








Replay





Play Next

PNG PM’s XIII v Australia PM’s XIII

“Kevie [Walters] gave me a call about a month ago and asked me if I would be keen to play for Australia,” Koloamatangi said. “I told him 100%, it’s always been a dream of mine. It’s one jersey I really wanted. 

“I was lucky enough to represent my dad and Tonga in the World Cup and the last couple of years. My goal was to eventually play for Australia. To be able to repay that, I’m just over the moon. 

“You grow up watching Billy Slater, Cam Smith, Greg Inglis and you wish you’re able to put that jersey on one day. All the stars have aligned, I’m very grateful to be able to put on the green and gold jersey.”

The 27-year-old is on track for a Kangaroos debut in England after leading the Prime Minister’s XIII to a 28-10 victory over the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s XIII in Port Moresby on Sunday.


599″, “>809”, “>959″]”
data-eqio-prefix=”video-post-screen”
ref=”root”
>



Up Next



/








Replay





Play Next

All Tries – PNG Orchids PM’s XIII v Australia PM’s XIII – 2025

The match was played at a sold-out Santos National Football Stadium, where 15,000 fans packed into the ground to watch their heroes. 

Koloamatangi was one of four members of the Ashes squad to feature, with Mitchell Moses, Bradman Best and Ethan Strange also getting through the clash unscathed. 

The Rabbitohs forward was playing his first game since South Sydney’s season ended on September 5 and said it was a crucial warm up for the upcoming tour. 

“We hear all the stories from the boys who have come over here in previous years,” Koloamatangi said. “It’s great to see it in person and be able to play. 

“It was a great game, it was good to get a hit out before I head over to England. It was my first time being a captain, it was a great team and I’m grateful to be able to lead those boys and happy to come away with the win.”

The Prime Minister’s XIII game was played after the unveiling of the Chiefs as the name for the new Papua New Guinea NRL team.


599″, “>809”, “>959″]”
data-eqio-prefix=”video-post-screen”
ref=”root”
>



Up Next



/








Replay





Play Next

PNG announce name of new NRL team

The side will enter the competition in 2028, a year after the Perth Bears become the 18th club in 2027. 

Having experienced the passionate supporter base firsthand on Sunday, Koloamatangi is confident the Chiefs will enjoy immediate success in the NRL. 

“Rugby league is PNG’s number one,” Koloamatangi said. “Seeing it live, they live and breathe rugby league. It’s the best thing for the game to bring a team here.

“I would love to come back again and play in front of this crowd, they were so grateful. To see the little kids, they don’t have the opportunities and resources that we have in Australia. To be able to see them have a smile, this is the best thing they’ve done all year and probably the highlight of their life. 

“To be able to see that, I’ve got kids myself, they’re going to have heroes one day. For the kids out here to see all their heroes come and play in front of them, it’s very humbling and I don’t take it for granted.”