‘Heart and soul of this team': Big win for the Wests Tigers as Api Koroisau agrees to long-term extension
It's a huge boost for coach Benji Marshall, who said recently that the club was all in on the veteran hooker after it emerged that young gun Tallyn Da Silva was leaving to join the Eels so he could get more opportunities in first grade. The Tigers also had to deal with Lachlan Galvin leaving to join the Bulldogs.
Koroisau, 32, has won three titles and remains one of the craftiest hookers in the NRL and a key figure for the Tigers who are continuing to build a new identity under Marshall.
He joined the club in 2023 after a very successful stint at Penrith, with the former NSW dummy-half a shining light in a team that has struggled on and off the field.
It's an API day 🤩 Our Skip has officially locked in his extension ��
Read more ðŸ'— https://t.co/395gAnK0DT #OneJungle ðŸ�¯ pic.twitter.com/ML5S7YmW2j
— Wests Tigers (@WestsTigers) July 22, 2025
'This club has become family to me. I've felt nothing but support from the players, staff, and especially Benji – he's someone I really admire and enjoy playing under,' Koroisau said.
'I'm stoked to re-sign and can't wait to help lead this team for a few more years.'
The news comes a week after the club re-signed Tristan Hope, who will move into the top 30 squad, with Koroisau to remain their main man for the next three seasons.
The contract extension also means new franchises can't go after him, while his decision to stay could play a key role in keeping stars or enticing others to join the club.
'Api is a great player but more so he is the heart and soul of this team,' Marshall said.
'His leadership, experience and energy are invaluable. Having him commit to our future is massive for the direction we are heading in.
'We are thrilled to have him and his wonderful family here long term.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ABC News
2 hours ago
- ABC News
Melbourne Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes cleared for NRL finals return after avoiding surgery on shoulder
Melbourne Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes is expected to return to the field for the NRL finals now that scans on his left shoulder have revealed he does not need surgery. Hughes went down during Melbourne's 34-30 win over the Sydney Roosters on Thursday night, clutching his left arm after attempting to tackle Roosters captain James Tedesco. ABC Sport is live blogging every round of the AFL and NRL seasons in 2025. The club confirmed the 2024 Dally M winner had dislocated his left shoulder and was taken to hospital after medics were unable to put the shoulder back into place at the ground. However, the Storm has confirmed the star half does not need surgery and is anticipated to be fit for the finals, which begin on Thursday, September 11. "Scans conducted on Friday have confirmed that Hughes does not require surgery for the dislocation," the Storm said in a statement on Friday afternoon. "He will begin a rehab program with the aim of returning for the NRL finals." Penrith star halfback Nathan Cleary had a similar injury in round 24 last season, but was able to return and lead the Panthers to a fourth consecutive premiership win.
Sydney Morning Herald
2 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘I'm not happy': Inside the bizarre bunfight over rugby league's new video game
NRLW players have complained about their appearance in a new-NRL endorsed rugby league video game, with the players' union raising concerns about its rollout. The keenly anticipated release of the Rugby League 26 game 10 days ago has been followed by a barrage of complaints by users over the game's quality and accuracy. NRLW players Millie Elliott and Kennedy Cherrington have also publicly criticised the likeness of female players in the game after issues around the scanning process used to capture facial features in production. Both the NRL and Rugby League Players' Association (RLPA) declined to comment on correspondence between the organisations outlining player concerns. Rugby League 26 creators Big Ant studio did not respond to requests for comment. However, sources speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter claim that most of the issues with players' likeness stem from those who were not available to be scanned when developers attended various clubs. Big Ant Studios chief executive Ross Symons addressed the inconsistencies in player likenesses on Friday, telling this masthead: 'We went to great lengths to capture NRL and NRLW players in person. 'All players – equally from both the NRL and NRLW – who chose to attend the photogrammetry sessions are accurately and faithfully represented in the game.' Some NRL clubs were caught off guard when Big Ant producers arrived to scan facial features for the game, with the majority of male players' scans done in person.
The Age
2 hours ago
- The Age
‘I'm not happy': Inside the bizarre bunfight over rugby league's new video game
NRLW players have complained about their appearance in a new-NRL endorsed rugby league video game, with the players' union raising concerns about its rollout. The keenly anticipated release of the Rugby League 26 game 10 days ago has been followed by a barrage of complaints by users over the game's quality and accuracy. NRLW players Millie Elliott and Kennedy Cherrington have also publicly criticised the likeness of female players in the game after issues around the scanning process used to capture facial features in production. Both the NRL and Rugby League Players' Association (RLPA) declined to comment on correspondence between the organisations outlining player concerns. Rugby League 26 creators Big Ant studio did not respond to requests for comment. However, sources speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter claim that most of the issues with players' likeness stem from those who were not available to be scanned when developers attended various clubs. Big Ant Studios chief executive Ross Symons addressed the inconsistencies in player likenesses on Friday, telling this masthead: 'We went to great lengths to capture NRL and NRLW players in person. 'All players – equally from both the NRL and NRLW – who chose to attend the photogrammetry sessions are accurately and faithfully represented in the game.' Some NRL clubs were caught off guard when Big Ant producers arrived to scan facial features for the game, with the majority of male players' scans done in person.
