Api Koroisau walked away from his first visit to the Zurich Centre, hoping ‘something special’ was in the pipeline at his new home.
Api Koroisau's first visit to Wests Tigers Zurich Centre
The three time premiership-winning hooker dropped by the club’s Centre of Excellence after returning from the Rugby League World Cup.
In short, Api was happy with what he saw. Not just wowed by the amazing facility, but also by the people within it.
Midway through his maiden tour of his new home, was a somewhat impromptu meeting with coach Tim Sheens, as well as his assistants Benji Marshall, Robbie Farah, Dave Furner and Wayne Lambkin.
The former Panthers hooker says the Wests Tigers coaching staff has plenty to offer.
“I’m really excited to work with them, they all have different backgrounds and so much experience,” he said.
I think it will be a really good environment to work in with a coaching staff that has so much experience and knowledge."
Apisai Koroisau
After 170 NRL games, the livewire number nine also has an abundance of experience and knowledge, and he wants more.
“I really have big hopes for this team and there is such a young crew who can achieve so much,” said Koroisau.
“I think the best thing I can add to the team along with my experience is my level-headedness.
With the right people in the right place here I really do think something special can happen."
Apisai Koroisau
Koroisau’s former club Penrith Panthers also boasts a first-class training facility, but there was clearly a ‘wow’ factor at his new home in Concord.
“It’s just amazing,” he said. “Not just the size but just the whole layout, the technology, everything at our fingertips.
"It’s a great space with chill zones for the boys and basketball and what not. Honestly, I am just so excited to be working here for the next few years.”
Former Panthers teammate Charlie Staines has also made the move from the foot of the mountains. Koroisau says he’s very tight with the ‘Forbes Ferrari'.
“Yeh it’s great Charlie is here too,’ he says with a wry grin. “We refer to each other as favourite teammates.”
I was really excited when I heard that Charlie was signing here.
Apisai Koroisau
“I love the way he plays his footy and I hope he can reach his full potential next season here with us.”
After going all the way with the Panthers, and impressing for Fiji at the World Cup, Koroisau is enjoying a well-deserved break, before his next chapter begins.
“I was really proud of what we achieved over there, a little bitter-sweet," he said.
“The body is feeling okay but it was a hard four weeks and quite a long trip.
“Right now, I’m looking forward to a lot of family time, and a lot of rest before I get stuck in next year.”
