Just a day after clinching the signings of promising siblings Latu and Samuela Fainu,Koroisau has given the Tigers a further boost by recommitting to the club.
A dismal season for the Wests Tigers has been brightened with the acquisition of both Samuela and Latu Fainu.
Koroisau,a three-time premiership winner,was already contracted for 2024 and the parties had a mutual option for 2025. His decision,which will likely see him finish his career at the joint-venture outfit,is a show of confidence in its direction.
The news is a timely fillip ahead of Thursday night’s clash with St George Illawarra,a match that will likely decide the wooden spoon.
NSW hooker Koroisau was the most important off-season addition to the Tigers side and is seen as a mentor to a promising crop of young players coming through the ranks. Joining them from next season are the Fainus,who have signed until at least the end of 2027.
Latu,a five-eighth,and Samuela,a forward,performed strongly in NSW’s under-19s State of Origin victory last week. Latu made history when he signed a Manly deal in late 2021 that made him the highest-paid player yet to make his NRL debut.
Api Koroisau.Getty Images
Koroisau’s decision is an endorsement of the Tigers’ plan for coach Tim Sheens to groom Benji Marshall to be his replacement.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to further demonstrate my commitment to the club,” Koroisau said. “I’m excited for the present and the future,and I’m just so proud to be leading our team.
“I’m also excited to be working with the young talent we have coming through and helping them to become great NRL players.”
Sheens said Koroisau’s contract extension was a huge boost for the club.
“He is a great leader,and he has done a wonderful job this season,” Sheens said. “I think it’s tremendous news for our club and for Api.”
Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe added:“His leadership has had a positive impact on everyone at the club. He has a natural ability to influence not only the playing squad but everyone in our family at Wests Tigers.”
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