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Cameron Murray has extended his contract with Souths through until the end of 2028 – now the club want the captain’s good friend Keaon Koloamatangi to ignore Canberra’s big-money interest and stay put.
The storied club that has dealt with headlines about perceived preferential treatment of star players Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker, as well as parting ways with assistant coach Sam Burgess, was happy to announce on Monday their skipper would be going nowhere.
Murray was on the radar of Rugby Australia, with Wallabies coach Eddie Jones making it clear earlier this year he would happily entertain a play for the lock.
But Murray joins several Rabbitohs already signed to long-term deals, including Mitchell (2027), as well as Campbell Graham and Jai Arrow (both 2027), with new recruit Jack Wighton also locked in until 2027. Junior Tatola signed an extension through to the end of 2028.
Koloamatangi, off contract at the end of 2024, has been sounded out by Canberra, but Souths coach Jason Demetriou hopes Murray’s signature will help improve their chances of retaining the man who made his NSW Origin debut this year. Koloamatangi and Murray share a long history, coming through the Mascot Jets junior ranks together.
“Keaon went into Origin at the time we were negotiating, we’re at the back end of the year now, so [those talks] have been put on hold until the end of the season,” Demetriou told this masthead.
Cameron Murray and his fiancee, Miranda CrossCredit: Instagram
“We have a great relationship with Keaon, and we have every intention of making sure he stays at the club long term, especially off the back of Cam re-signing. Those two guys have played footy together since they were seven.
“The best is ahead of Keaon, I have no doubt about that, he’s chasing that consistency, and at his best he’s one of the best back-rowers, if not the best back-rower in the game. The last couple of years he’s matured into that professional athlete, and will only get better.”
Demetriou was never worried about the threat of rugby and said: “Cameron has done what he’s done in union at schoolboy level, but he hasn’t played that game for a long time, and I know how passionate he is about being a Rabbitoh.
“I’ve seen that evidence in abundance the last few days, I’ve seen the leadership he’s developed the last 18 months really stand up, and it’s exciting for the future of this club.
Murray addressed the dramas at the club over the weekend, labelling talk of Mitchell and Walker being treated favourably as “bulls–t”, and insisting he was the man to lead the club to finals glory.
Staying until the end of 2028: Cameron MurrayCredit: Getty Images
“Our goal at the start of the pre-season was to win the comp – and that is still our goal,” Murray said.
It also emerged Murray and his fiancee, Miranda, are expecting their first child.
Souths must defeat bitter rivals the Sydney Roosters on Friday to guarantee a spot in the top eight. They sat on top of the NRL ladder after 11 rounds.
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