Eels Pull Off Stunning Coup as Koloamatangi Signs in Blockbuster Switch

In a move that has electrified the rugby league world, the Parramatta Eels have officially confirmed the signing of South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Keaon Koloamatangi—an acquisition many are already calling one of the biggest recruitment shocks in recent NRL history.

The announcement, delivered in front of a buzzing crowd at CommBank Stadium this morning, ended weeks of swirling rumours and escalating speculation. Wearing a crisp blue-and-gold polo and flashing a grin that suggested both relief and excitement, Koloamatangi spoke of “a new chapter, a new challenge, and a club that feels like home already.”

The Eels, who have endured a turbulent run over the past two seasons, made no attempt to hide the significance of the signing. Head coach Brad Arthur declared the deal “a statement about where Parramatta want to be—right back in the hunt for premiership contention.”

Club officials confirmed that the 25-year-old powerhouse agreed to a multi-year contract believed to be among the most lucrative forward deals in the club’s recent history.

Koloamatangi, long regarded as one of the NRL’s most damaging edge forwards, brings not only brute force and footwork but a maturity and on-field leadership that have set him apart at the Rabbitohs.

In his first appearance as an Eel, he spoke candidly about the difficulty of leaving South Sydney, the club that nurtured him from a promising junior into a representative star.

“It wasn’t easy—Souths will always be a big part of me,” he said. “But sometimes you feel a pull toward something new, something that pushes you. Parramatta have been chasing success for a long time, and I want to be part of the group that helps deliver it.”

The Rabbitohs reacted with both disappointment and respect, issuing a brief statement thanking Koloamatangi for his service and describing him as “a player who will forever be part of the club’s story.” Supporters, however, have already begun debating the implications of the loss for a side already battling inconsistency.

Meanwhile, the reaction among Eels fans has bordered on euphoria. Social media erupted within minutes of the announcement, with supporters declaring the signing “the missing piece,” “a new era,” and in one enthusiastic post, “the best news since the 1986 premiership.”

Analysts have been similarly animated, suggesting Koloamatangi’s arrival could dramatically reshape the Eels’ forward dynamics. His combination with halfback Mitchell Moses is already being earmarked as a potential game-breaker, particularly given his reputation as both a destructive runner and an underrated offloader.

While it may take months to see the full impact of the move on the field, one thing is already crystal clear: Parramatta have made a statement. Bold, unexpected, and full of ambition, the signing of Keaon Koloamatangi signals that the Eels are done waiting—they are ready to strike.