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“Keaon’s numbers are great, that’s the point we’re missing,” Bennett said of Koloamatangi, who is averaging 140 metres and 30 tackles per game this season.
“And he’s playing the full 80 minutes. He’s not even looking to be brought off the ground.
Keaon Koloamatangi takes on the defence during his lone Origin appearance, in 2023.Credit: Getty
“That’s the remarkable thing – to have a middle forward these days who can do all that workload. Payne Haas is really good at it too, but this guy is in that league.”
Koloamatangi has played one State of Origin, helping NSW win game three of the 2023 series, and recognises that consistent form at club level is the key to earning a Blues recall.
“They had a dominant win in game one, so I don’t think they’ll change the team,” he said.
“I’m just trying to play my best footy for the Rabbitohs, and if the rep stuff comes, it comes. But I’m not too fussed, to be honest. If I get the call, I get the call.
“My main focus is the Bunnies … obviously one of my big goals is to get back there [in Origin], but obviously I have to play good at club level to be able to make the team.”
The Mascot Jets junior was confident he would be better a second time around in the Origin arena, given the experience he gained on debut two years ago.
“Especially playing for Tonga against Australia as well – you know, obviously they’re a mixture of both Queensland and NSW,” he said.
Warriors skipper Mitchell Barnett receives treatment on his injured knee on Sunday.Credit: Getty Images
“I’m confident in the way it’s going at the moment. I feel like I’m playing good footy, so whatever happens, happens.”
He has embraced his move into the engine room and was hopeful his ability to also play on an edge would count in his favour when Daley sits down on Sunday to name his team for Origin II.
“Wayne puts his trust in me, and I don’t want to let him down, to be honest,” he said. “I don’t want to be a liability for the team … obviously the best props in the world, like Payne, they play massive minutes and do a massive amount of work.
“I’m just trying to do that for my team.”
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“Keaon’s numbers are great, that’s the point we’re missing,” Bennett said of Koloamatangi, who is averaging 140 metres and 30 tackles per game this season.
“And he’s playing the full 80 minutes. He’s not even looking to be brought off the ground.
Keaon Koloamatangi takes on the defence during his lone Origin appearance, in 2023.Credit: Getty
“That’s the remarkable thing – to have a middle forward these days who can do all that workload. Payne Haas is really good at it too, but this guy is in that league.”
Koloamatangi has played one State of Origin, helping NSW win game three of the 2023 series, and recognises that consistent form at club level is the key to earning a Blues recall.
“They had a dominant win in game one, so I don’t think they’ll change the team,” he said.
“I’m just trying to play my best footy for the Rabbitohs, and if the rep stuff comes, it comes. But I’m not too fussed, to be honest. If I get the call, I get the call.
“My main focus is the Bunnies … obviously one of my big goals is to get back there [in Origin], but obviously I have to play good at club level to be able to make the team.”
The Mascot Jets junior was confident he would be better a second time around in the Origin arena, given the experience he gained on debut two years ago.
“Especially playing for Tonga against Australia as well – you know, obviously they’re a mixture of both Queensland and NSW,” he said.
Warriors skipper Mitchell Barnett receives treatment on his injured knee on Sunday.Credit: Getty Images
“I’m confident in the way it’s going at the moment. I feel like I’m playing good footy, so whatever happens, happens.”
He has embraced his move into the engine room and was hopeful his ability to also play on an edge would count in his favour when Daley sits down on Sunday to name his team for Origin II.
“Wayne puts his trust in me, and I don’t want to let him down, to be honest,” he said. “I don’t want to be a liability for the team … obviously the best props in the world, like Payne, they play massive minutes and do a massive amount of work.
“I’m just trying to do that for my team.”
NRL is Live and Free on Channel 9 & 9Now
Michael Chammas and Andrew “Joey” Johns dissect the upcoming NRL round, plus the latest footy news, results and analysis. Sign up for the Sin Bin newsletter.
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