South Sydney forwards Tevita Tatola and Keaon Koloamatangi are adamant they are ready for NSW debuts if required to play a role in the State of Origin series as injured Blues superstar Latrell Mitchell dropped in to visit his Rabbitohs teammates.
Mitchell, a late scratching for the interstate opener after suffering a calf complaint, spent time at Souths headquarters at Heffron Park on Tuesday. The two-time premiership winner was in good spirits despite the setback as the club attempts to avoid a three-game losing streak against the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Two players particularly keen to impress are Rabbitohs forwards Tatola and Koloamatangi. The Tonga internationals have been mentioned as being in the frame for NSW selection, although the latter’s chances were hampered by an ankle injury that sidelined him for six weeks.
While they insist their main focus is on ensuring Souths return to the top four, the pair believe they are ready for the step up to Origin if called upon by Brad Fittler.
“Yeah, 100 per cent. This is now my third year in NRL and I feel like I’m a first-grader now,” Koloamatangi said.
“I feel my next step is to play Origin. If Freddy gives me a call, then 100 per cent, I’ll be ready.
Keaon Koloamatangi would love a Blues call-up.Credit: Getty
“It’s good [to be mentioned as a contender alongside Tatola], I feel like we vibe off each other.
“Junior has been one of the most underrated forwards in the game. The stuff he does off the ball, it’s so valuable, it’s not on the stats sheet, but it makes our job so much easier.
“It’s good that he gets spoken about because he deserves it. He’s put in the hard work and where he’s come from, this year with [the death of] his father and that, it’s good that he stuck to it. I hope he gets one, one day.”
Tatola has continued the form that earned him the George Piggins medal last year, averaging 114 running metres per game in 2023. The 25-year-old said he would embrace a call-up for NSW.
“Definitely, I would be ready for it,” Tatola said.
“I’ve been in first grade for a few years and if I did get the call, I’d love to take that opportunity.
“I do think I’m ready. My sole focus is playing good footy at the Rabbitohs and doing my job here first. Whatever comes off the back of that, I’ll be definitely be grateful for.
“I’m not sure what’s happening with the Origin stuff, I try not to look too deep into it.
“Being born and bred in Sydney, I think it doesn’t get much better.
In-form Rabbitohs prop Tevita Tatola.Credit: Getty
“If I get the chance to represent my state, I’d definitely like to play. If any rep honours come my way, I would definitely take it, but I’m solely focused on South Sydney.”
Mitchell wasn’t named for the Gold Coast clash when South Sydney issued its team list on Tuesday afternoon.
“A lot of the boys feel for him,” Koloamatangi said.
“I’m a NSW fan, so I wish he could be out there, he’s very dangerous.
“Stuff like that happens, unfortunate stuff. I know he was a bit upset, but it’s good he came out and showed support to us. I don’t think it’s too bad, hopefully he’s right for game II.
“We’re only halfway through the year, hopefully he’s right for the back end of the year. Whatever happens, he will be good.”
