Latest news with #ApiKoroisau
News.com.au
a day ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Big win for the Wests Tigers as Api Koroisau agrees to long-term extension
The Wests Tigers have locked in the 'heart and soul of the team' after co-captain Api Koroisau agreed to a new deal that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2028 season. 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 Parramatta Eels so he could get more opportunities in first grade, while the club has also had to deal with Lachlan Galvin leaving to join the Canterbury 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. '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,' he 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.'
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘Heart and soul of this team': Big win for the Wests Tigers as Api Koroisau agrees to long-term extension
The Wests Tigers have locked in the 'heart and soul of the team' after co-captain Api Koroisau agreed to a new deal that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2028 season. 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 âœ�ï¸� Read more ðŸ'— #OneJungle ðŸ�¯ — 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.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
‘Heart and soul of team': Huge win for Tigers
The Wests Tigers have locked in the 'heart and soul of the team' after co-captain Api Koroisau agreed to a new deal that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2028 season. 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. '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.'
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
How teacher's aide became Koroisau's new understudy
Tristan Hope was in class working as a teacher's aide at a Brisbane primary school when he received the phone call that would change his life. Fast-forward a year, and the mild-mannered hooker is set to serve as Api Koroisau's right-hand man for the remainder of Wests Tigers' NRL season. Hope was unexpectedly in the headlines when the Tigers released highly-rated Tallyn De Silva last week, leaving the 28-year-old rookie as the club's second-choice No.9. Playing only his second NRL game days later, Hope threw the pass to Sione Finau that gave the Tigers the 20-0 lead they rode to an upset win over the Sydney Roosters. Hope's strong performance would've been a relief for the Tigers, who had received criticism from all quarters for allowing Da Silva to join Parramatta mid-season. Chief executive Shane Richardson went as far as to tell ABC radio on Sunday that the Tigers would know by full-time whether they'd made a mistake releasing Da Silva. The jury is no longer out, at least not for Benji Marshall. "To turn it up in an NRL game against a pretty handy side was pretty impressive," the Tigers coach said. "Off the back of all the Tallyn stuff, I thought (Hope) was great today." The bright lights of Allianz Stadium felt a world away for Hope this time a year ago. Since 2018, he'd bounced around the Queensland Cup without cracking the NRL, supplementing his footy income working at Michelton State School in Brisbane's north. Working with kids suited the good-natured Hope. "I just really enjoyed seeing the smiles on their faces at the end of the day. Kids can bring out the best in you," he told AAP. Hope couldn't have known just how significantly his life would change when his phone began buzzing during class one day last year. He ignored the unknown number and went back to work, but had to ask the teacher if he could step outside when a follow-up text message came through. From almost 1,000km away, it was Shane Richardson. "Obviously your heart's beating," Hope said. "He just said, 'There's no guarantees but we'd love to give you a crack at train and trial'." Hope knew the Tigers' offer of a 17-week deal was likely the last shot at making his NRL dream come true - he was into his late 20s now with a family to think about. But after some discussions with his pregnant wife, the Hopes started packing their bags. "I knew that it was my last crack at my age," Hope said. He turned that crack into a development deal for 2025, and an NRL debut in round one. Ahead of his next NRL appearance against the Roosters, Hope received plenty of pointers from Koroisau, out with a head knock. "He's just so approachable. He's been unbelievable this week," Hope said. "He's filled me full of confidence. Api is a one of a kind footballer." Hope is still reticent to think of himself as the three-time premiership winner's deputy, despite Da Silva's exit. "My mindset isn't that I'm the man now," he said. "Benji gave me first crack at that today and I hope that I've proven that I am worthy of that opportunity." But regardless of the next steps, Hope knows he'll have a legion of fans in Mitchelton cheering him on. "They'll be pretty stoked to see Mr. Hope on the screen, I reckon," he said.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Player overlooked by Panthers floated as Tallyn Da Silva's replacement at Tigers
The Wests Tigers have upgraded the contract of 18-year-old hooker Jared Haywood, and it goes some way to explaining why the club was comfortable letting Tallyn Da Silva walk. Da Silva has made an immediate switch to Parramatta, leaving Tigers fans fuming that the club would let another highly-rated youngster leave. Da Silva and Lachie Galvin were though to be the future for the Tigers, but are now at the Eels and Bulldogs respectively. The Tigers have opted to prioritise veteran hooker Api Koroisau, and are on the cusp of agreeing to a contract extension with the 32-year-old. It meant Da Silva didn't have much of an immediate future at Concord, but will get much more playing time at Parramatta. Tigers fans have been left fuming over the decision to let the 20-year-old Da Silva walk, with many questioning what the plan is for when Koroisau retires. And a key move this week appears to answer that question. The Tigers have upgraded the contract of 18-year-old prodigy Haywood - believed to be one of the best young hookers in the game - and given him an NRL deal until the end of 2028. The teenager will join the Tigers' top-30 roster from 2027, and could find himself as the club's long-term No.9. He's been on a train-and-trial deal with the Tigers this season, which was recently changed to become a full-time one. 📣 The Wests Tigers have upgraded the contract of 18-year-old Jared Haywood — one of the best young dummy-halves in the game.▪️ Overlooked by Penrith at Harold Matts trials▪️ Now locked in until the end of 2028▪️ Joins Tigers Top 30 in 2027▪️ Captained SG Ball side▪️… — NRLCentral (@centralNRL) July 2, 2025 Hayward was captain of Balmain's SG Ball Cup side (Under-19s), and won the NRL schoolboys grand final with Patrician Brothers' College Blacktown. He also earned selection in the Australian Schoolboys squad in 2024. Interestingly, Haywood tried out for the Penrith Panthers' Harold Matthews side (Under-17s), but was overlooked. Whether it comes back to haunt the Panthers remains to be seen. RELATED: Roosters and Rabbitohs premiership winner reportedly set to retire Calls for NRL rule change after Wayne Bennett hit with brutal ban Haywood played in the pre-season challenge with the Tigers earlier this year, and impressed a number of first-grade players. "He's trained with us a few times and he's a really exciting prospect," Alex Twal told . "First and foremost, he's a really respectful kid and I think any kid that is sort of building off a foundation of being a good kid, they've got a long career ahead of them. I'm looking forward to taking him under my wing and showing him what it takes to be an NRL player week in, week out." As for Da Silva, Tigers captain Jarome Luai admits he can understand why the 20-year-old jumped ship to the Eels. Tigers officials agreed they were happy to allow the youngster to look at rival clubs if they re-signed Koroisau, and they eventually decided to let him make a mid-season switch before June 30. "It's a bit disappointing for the club and us as a playing group," Luai said. "We see the potential he has and the biggest thing for him was more opportunity. "It's understandable for a guy that is behind Api. It's a tricky one. Everyone is entitled to that opinion, what they want and what they are chasing. All the best to him. I think he will get more opportunity at Parramatta anyway. He's going to be a very good player for a very long time."
