Keaon Koloamatangi, set to join the St George Illawarra Dragons, has indicated he may forgo the Rugby League World Cup to ensure he is fit for the 2027 pre-season.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs forward, recognized as one of the top talents in the league, holds eligibility for both Australia and Tonga in the upcoming tournament.
Despite his impressive background, he has yet to decide on his eligibility, having played ten Tests for Tonga from 2022 to 2024, before making his Australian debut in last year's Ashes series and participating in all three Tests.
Koloamatangi emphasized that the higher pay offered to Australian players compared to others will not influence his choice.
"My decision won't be based on money. My body is pretty sore at the moment, and I need to go for a few scans at the end of the year, just to see if I can play.
"It's a possibility [I don't play at all]. I'll keep it [my options] open. I'll get my knee checked out. I've also had a few niggles in the lower back.
"I don't want to make myself look like a fool if I don't play well because I'm injured - I'll make the call when the time comes."
Joining the Dragons, Koloamatangi is one of six new recruits expected to help elevate the team in the 2027 season.
Although the Dragons managed only three victories this year, they have retained six promising young forwards - Dylan Egan, Hamish Stewart, Toby Couchman, Ryan Couchman, Loko Pasifki Tonga, and Jacob Halangahu - whom Koloamatangi is expected to mentor in the upcoming season.