Despite the numerous signings made by Wests Tigers in recent times, Api Koroisau continues to hold the pivotal role in Benji Marshall’s joint-venture reconstruction. This fact is widely acknowledged among those associated with the Tigers.
“At the Tigers, we all recognize Api as the top No.9 in the game, without a doubt,” remarks Robbie Farah, currently serving as an assistant coach at Concord, and a skilled hooker during his playing career.
Coach Benji Marshall praises Koroisau’s exceptional deceptive skills, highlighting his prowess in the game.
Last Saturday night at Leichhardt Oval witnessed thrilling scenes as the Tigers dominated Cronulla with a 32-6 victory. The upcoming match against Parramatta on Easter Monday will serve as another significant test of the club’s progress.
Fans of the Tigers, as well as Koroisau’s former clubs Penrith, Manly, and South Sydney, admire the resilience of the 31-year-old. Despite battling severe gastro before the Sharks match, he remarkably played 66 minutes, demonstrating his toughness.
Koroisau acknowledged the supporters at Leichhardt after contributing yet another brave performance in the win over the Sharks, despite his illness.
Marshall reflects on Koroisau’s remarkable display, stating, “He probably shouldn’t have played last Saturday. He was dehydrated, lost weight, cramping, and if you watch the game back and look at every stoppage in play, he was there on the ground vomiting. The fact he played as long as he did is crazy. It only shows how much his teammates mean to him.”
At Penrith, where Koroisau secured two premierships, he earned a reputation for enduring pain like few others. When Jarome Luai was striving to recover from a shoulder injury in time for the NRL grand final last year, Panthers medical staff motivated him by asking, “When would Api return?”
There’s much more to Api Koroisau, the tough and crafty No.9, than many fans realize. Surprisingly, he has been playing a crucial behind-the-scenes role in kick-starting Benji Marshall’s revolution at the Tigers.
Marshall has assembled former teammates and trusted allies like Robbie Farah, Chris Heighington, and John Morris in the coach’s box. However, it’s Koroisau who could hold the most significant influence.
Despite not being the most vocal or analytical player on the field, Koroisau’s strengths lie in his impeccable timing and ability to execute deceptive maneuvers. Marshall emphasizes Koroisau’s unique skills, such as his understanding of positioning markers and creating one-on-one situations to accelerate play.
Former teammate Cam McInnes, now at Cronulla, acknowledges Koroisau’s Western Sydney roots but highlights his on-field skill and off-field intelligence.
Koroisau’s importance was evident during his time at South Sydney when he was chosen over others to replace Issac Luke in the 2014 grand final due to his deep understanding of the game plan and his ability to execute it.
Michael Maguire, who coached Koroisau at Souths, advocated strongly for his recruitment to the Tigers, recognizing his leadership qualities and potential to elevate the team’s standards.
Despite initial skepticism from some fans, Koroisau has proven his commitment to the Tigers, even after joking about the club’s title hopes following the 2022 decider.
However, since joining the Tigers, Koroisau has sometimes attempted to do too much, deviating from his natural game in an effort to compensate for the team’s deficiencies.
Marshall advises Koroisau to trust his teammates more and focus on his own role, which ultimately leads to improved performance from the entire team.
Farah, another Tigers legend, offers guidance to Koroisau but acknowledges the latter’s astuteness and self-awareness on the field.
After his exceptional performance against Cronulla, Koroisau received a standing ovation from the crowd, a gesture that Farah, who has experienced similar receptions, recognizes as a significant mark of respect from the Leichhardt faithful.
As Koroisau continues to impress, Farah predicts that the fans will soon be chanting his name, a testament to his growing influence and impact at the Tigers.
