South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Keaon Koloamatangi has received a major boost in his pursuit of a New South Wales State of Origin recall, after being declared fit to return from injury in time for the Rabbitohs’ crucial Round 16 showdown against the Melbourne Storm on Saturday night.
Koloamatangi suffered a fractured eye socket during Souths’ narrow defeat to the Canterbury Bulldogs last week, which initially cast serious doubt over his availability for the Storm clash. Despite being named in the extended squad earlier this week by coach Wayne Bennett, many expected him to be ruled out due to the severity of the injury. However, Bennett confirmed on Friday that his star forward would indeed line up for Souths this weekend after scans revealed he would not require surgery.
The veteran coach described the development as great news for the club and praised Koloamatangi’s resilience and dedication. “He didn’t need surgery, and the doctor is confident it won’t cause him any problems moving forward,” Bennett said. “Keaon’s confident in how he’s feeling, so we’re happy to give him the all-clear. He’s ready to go.”
The Rabbitohs will also be bolstered by the return of star fullback Latrell Mitchell, who is set to back up following New South Wales’ tight two-point loss in State of Origin Game 2 earlier this week. His presence, combined with Koloamatangi’s comeback, will provide a much-needed lift to a Rabbitohs side hoping to turn their season around.
Koloamatangi has been one of South Sydney’s most consistent and impactful players this year, especially since shifting into the middle of the field. His ability to provide powerful carries, quick play-the-balls, and physical dominance has made him one of the standout forwards in the competition. His return couldn’t come at a better time—not just for the Rabbitohs, but also for his State of Origin ambitions.
Bennett praised the forward’s toughness and commitment, likening it to another instance of grit shown recently by teammate Jye Gray, who continued to play with a broken thumb. “You can’t question the desire these players have to play for their club,” Bennett said. “When guys are doing everything they can to get back from injury early, it shows the culture here is strong and the team means something to them.”
Koloamatangi was a member of the extended Blues squad for Game 2 of the Origin series but missed the trip to Perth after sustaining the injury late in the game against Canterbury. Despite not playing in Game 2, his name remains in the mix for the series decider in Sydney on July 9, especially after coach Laurie Daley hinted that there could be some personnel changes ahead of the must-win clash.
One of the players whose position appears to be under review is interchange forward Stefano Utoikamanu. The Wests Tigers prop was used off the bench in Game 2 but made limited impact, managing just four runs for 41 metres. He also conceded a costly penalty for obstruction, which ultimately led to a disallowed try by halfback Nathan Cleary. That moment alone has left fans and pundits questioning whether Utoikamanu did enough to warrant selection in the final match of the series.
Koloamatangi and Utoikamanu will both be on the field this weekend in the Rabbitohs-Storm clash, giving them a direct opportunity to stake their claim. The matchup is being viewed by many as a potential head-to-head audition for that final Blues interchange spot. Koloamatangi’s strong performances throughout the year have sparked widespread calls for his return to the Origin arena. Many fans still remember his lone appearance for the Blues in the 2023 decider, during which he impressed with his physical presence and work ethic.
The timing of Koloamatangi’s return means he’ll get not just one, but two matches to prove his worth before Origin III. After this week’s clash against the Storm, South Sydney will take on the Dolphins in Round 17, offering another platform for the in-form forward to make a lasting impression on selectors.
Blues coach Laurie Daley is expected to closely monitor both games as he assesses the best forward pack to take into the deciding game. Given the criticism that followed Game 2, particularly in the middle rotation, changes to the bench seem likely—and Koloamatangi is firmly in the frame to take advantage.
Fans have been vocal on social media, with many calling for Daley to axe Utoikamanu and bring in Koloamatangi, whose form for the Rabbitohs has rarely dipped despite the team’s inconsistency this season. The big man has consistently stood out with his powerful charges, defensive reliability, and aggression at the line—qualities that would undoubtedly serve the Blues well in a high-pressure Origin decider.
In a season where South Sydney has had its share of setbacks, Koloamatangi’s return from what could have been a lengthy injury layoff stands as a testament to his determination and toughness. The fact that he’s chosen to push through and make himself available this weekend speaks volumes about his mindset—and could very well be the edge that sees him regain a coveted Origin jersey.
As South Sydney prepares to take on Melbourne in what’s shaping up to be one of the marquee matchups of the round, all eyes will be on Koloamatangi—not just from Rabbitohs fans, but also from Blues selectors, supporters, and coaching staff. With Origin III looming, the Rabbitohs powerhouse has been handed a golden opportunity to reclaim his place in the sky-blue jersey.
