Just days after being ruled out of New South Wales’ extended Origin squad with a facial fracture, Keaon Koloamatangi has been named in South Sydney’s line-up to face Melbourne Storm this weekend, a move that’s left fans and pundits scratching their heads.
Koloamatangi suffered the injury while attempting to tackle Viliame Kikau late in Souths’ clash against the Bulldogs.
The second-rower’s face appeared to collide heavily with Kikau’s forearm, leaving him clutching his cheek and unable to rejoin the defensive line until the third tackle. Referee Adam Gee soon ordered him off the field for a Head Injury Assessment, and he did not return.
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Out of Origin but back for club?
Despite the incident ruling him out of the Blues’ 19th man duties, with Lindsay Smith and Jacob Preston shifting up in the squad, Koloamatangi’s presence in the Rabbitohs’ team list has raised eyebrows.
While no official update has clarified the extent of his recovery, his midweek withdrawal from State of Origin duties suggested the facial injury was significant enough to warrant precaution.
With Souths desperate to build consistency, especially against the high-flying Storm, it appears the club is hopeful their star forward can recover in time, but questions will remain until the team is finalised closer to kick-off.