Keaon Koloamatangi has opened up about the difficult conversations he had with South Sydney's coach, Wayne Bennett, and his longtime teammate, Cameron Murray, regarding his departure from the club at the end of the season to join the St George Illawarra Dragons.
On Christmas Eve, the influential prop reached out to Bennett to inform him of his decision, attributing his move to personal growth, the desire to step outside his comfort zone, and the need for self-challenge.
In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Koloamatangi also mentioned a discussion with his skipper and fellow forward Murray, with whom he has shared his entire career.
"I think I needed to get out of my comfort zone to become a better player, but more importantly, a better man," Koloamatangi stated.
"I want to be a better man for the family, so I think I need to take that step."
Having played junior football together at Mascot Jets, Murray was curious about Koloamatangi's future plans. When he learned of the impending move, he was receptive and supportive.
"We trained over the break together here, and he just asked me, and I told him, and he understood," Koloamatangi shared.
"I just have to look after me and my family first; they mean the world to me, they're my number one priority, so I'll do anything for them over anyone."
Despite the media frenzy surrounding a widely reported helicopter ride to Wollongong, it didn't influence his decision to switch clubs.