Three-time premiership winner Api Koroisau has been announced as the Wests Tigers captain, just months after having a tasteless dig his new club during grand final celebrations.
‘This place has been incredible the last three years I’ve been here. It’s turned into a family for me,’ Koroisau said. ‘There’s so much young talent. ‘To go out on a high like that is pretty incredible … and we’ll probably do the same thing at the Tigers,’ he added before bursting out laughing.
Koroisau, who was named team captain on Monday night at the Tigers’ season launch, was blasted for joking that his title with the Panthers would be his last as he prepared to join the wooden-spooners.
Tigers fans were left fuming by the remark which club chairman Lee Hagipantelis labelled ‘tasteless’, saying the hooker would rethink his comments if he had his time again.
‘This is a terrific group of players, and I am honoured to be their captain. From the moment I joined this club, my family and I have been made to feel so welcome. ‘It’s been a great start to my time as a Wests Tigers player and I look forward to helping this team and this club be the best it can be.’
However, it appears all has been forgiven as the hooker has replaced James Tamou as skipper of the embattled club. ‘To be asked to lead this team in my first year at the club means a lot,’ he said.
Koroisau, who won back to back premierships with the Panthers and a 2014 premiership with Souths, is just one of a number of key signings the Tigers have made to turn their fortunes around.
Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe has also been impressed with Koroisau and backed the idea of appointing him as skipper. ‘In the short time he’s been with us, Api has demonstrated and embraced our core values as a club,’ Pascoe said.
‘His leadership on the field is vitally important, as is what he does in other areas of our business. ‘I think it’s a tremendous appointment and I’m sure he will thrive with the added responsibility.’ The Tigers will play their first game of the 2023 season against the Titans at Leichhardt Oval on March 5.
‘We have several very capable leaders in this team, and Api is one of them,’ Tim Sheens said. ‘He is very well respected within the group, and I know he’ll do a great job. ‘I congratulate him on earning the role.’
