LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The St George Illawarra Dragons are facing a tense situation as the South Sydney Rabbitohs have opted not to waive the ten-day cooling-off period for Keaon Koloamatangi. This decision leaves the Dragons in limbo regarding their new acquisition.
Koloamatangi, a standout of free agency, has showcased his prowess, concluding 2025 as one of the top props in the league. He is reported to have inked a five-year contract worth five million dollars with the Dragons.
This move, occurring on Boxing Day, follows intense competition among the Parramatta Eels and Rabbitohs for Koloamatangi's signature.
For the Dragons, securing Koloamatangi marks a significant retention achievement in recent memory. However, they must observe the mandatory ten-day waiting period before finalizing his signing.
The NRL's collective bargaining agreement, ratified by all involved parties, including the Rugby League Players Association, mandates that players have a ten-day period post-signing with a new club before the deal is officially confirmed.
This regulation was introduced in response to incidents where players reneged on agreements after official announcements had been made.
Although clubs can choose to bypass this ten-day period, as evidenced by several transactions in recent seasons, News Corp has indicated that the Rabbitohs will not be exercising that option in this instance.