Koloamatangi proud to represent Australia after Tonga World Cup switch
Keaon Koloamatangi is 28. He switched from Tonga to Australia. He wanted to fulfill his childhood dream of wearing the Kangaroos jersey.
Keaon Koloamatangi made an unusual choice, switching from Tonga to Australia for this year's rugby league World Cup. The 28-year-old prop played 10 matches for Tonga, including the 2022 World Cup.
He could not turn down the chance when Australia came calling. Koloamatangi said he wanted to experience everything his heritage allows.
He was born in Australia to a Tongan father. He is proud of both sides.
Koloamatangi consulted Tonga coach Kristian Woolf, who accepted the decision respectfully. Koloamatangi will play for the Kangaroos against Fiji at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
He said he will still cheer for Tonga if they reach the final stages of the tournament. He moves to St George Illawarra next season from South Sydney.
- 28
- Koloamatangi's age
- 10
- Tonga matches played
- Suncorp Stadium
- Match venue
- Prop
- Position
Why it mattersThe switch shows how rare this is. A player moves from a smaller nation to a tier-one team. It also reveals the emotional pull of representing your birth country at the highest level.
AustraliaKoloamatangi becomes part of Australia's World Cup campaign and is a concrete example of how rugby league draws international talent to the Kangaroos squad.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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