Rabbitohs Star Shares Financial Sacrifice for Career-Best Fitness Amid Uber Eats Losses

Keaon Koloamatangi has shared the personal sacrifices he made to slim down, and it seems to have already paid off for the South Sydney back-rower.

The 26-year-old has been recognised as one of the standout edge forwards in the NRL at various points throughout his career, but he confessed he was “overweight” by his own high standards in 2024.

With the return of supercoach Wayne Bennett, Koloamatangi made a significant decision in his pursuit of a return to State of Origin football this season.

After his team’s victory over the Dolphins in round one, Koloamatangi spoke to the media about his choice to drop the weight and get back to his peak performance.

“I probably haven’t been this light since I was born,” he remarked on Monday.

“I’ve actually dropped quite a bit – I was very overweight last year by my measurements. I had a chat with Wayne during the off-season, and he asked me what I considered to be my best position.

“I believe second row is where I excel, and if you look at the top back-rowers in the competition, I consider myself among them. However, if you’re not fit enough, you won’t reach that elite level. I believe I can get there if I’m at the right fitness level.”

“Being a bit lighter feels different; I sometimes feel I have less power, but I’ve been lifting well in the gym… I’m just getting accustomed to my new body.”

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Koloamatangi made a strong impression against the Dolphins, recording 186 run metres, six tackle breaks, and 28 tackles in a full 80-minute performance.

The transformation in his physique can be attributed to his decision to abandon his fondness for sweets.

“I was quite indulgent with desserts, so I essentially cut that out and saw how long I could go without them,” Koloamatangi explained.

“I managed it for two to three months and got incredibly ripped quite quickly. It wasn’t a dramatic change in my diet; I just avoided food after dinner.”

As for his favourite dessert?

“Pretty much anything I could find in the cupboard, but mainly from Uber Eats,” he confessed.

“I’m based in the Canterbury-Bankstown area, so acai bowls are pretty popular around here.

“I’d say Uber Eats has probably lost a bit of profit now.”

Koloamatangi is set to face his former teammates Lachlan Ilias and Damien Cook when the Rabbitohs take on the Dragons in their round two clash.