Source :- THE AGE NEWS
St George Illawarra recruit Keaon Koloamatangi is considering skipping the World Cup to undergo surgery and ensure he is fit for day one of pre-season training with his new club.
Koloamatangi played in all three Ashes Tests for the Kangaroos off the bench late last season, and remains a big part of coach Kevin Walters’ plans for the World Cup in October and November.
Koloamatangi’s ability to play on an edge as well as in the middle has not been lost on Walters, whose incumbent back-rowers Angus Crichton (rugby) and Hudson Young (Achilles) will be unavailable for the tournament on home soil.
The 28-year-old Koloamatangi is also eligible to represent Tonga, and said the pay cut he would take to play for the Pacific nation – $850 match payments compared to a guaranteed $40,000 pay day representing Australia – was not a concern.
“When it comes to that [pay] stuff, we get paid pretty well with our salaries – if you only play for your country because of the money, that’s pretty weak,” Koloamatangi said.
“My decision won’t be based on my 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, there’s been a bit of a disc issue.”
Koloamatangi called coach Wayne Bennett on Christmas Eve to inform he had would take up a five-year, $5 million deal with the Dragons for the start of the 2027 season. Warriors playmaker Luke Metcalf, Titans winger Phil Sami, Roosters utility Connor Watson, Dolphins playmaker Kodi Nikorima and Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater have all committed to the Red V since then.
Koloamatangi said he did not want any lingering injuries to prevent him from playing at his best at the World Cup.
“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,” Koloamatangi said.
Koloamatangi will relish the forwards battle against Canterbury on Friday night. He injured his knee the last time the two clubs met on Good Friday, but Koloamatangi indicated after that game he had been nursing a PCL issue.
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