Api Koroisau wants to make a big difference at Wests Tigers and plans to help rebuild the club that he supported as a child.
The three-time premiership winning hooker had a spring in his step at his very first training session on Thursday, meeting most of his new teammates for the first time.
He says he enjoyed a much-needed rest after helping the Panthers to premiership glory, and impressing for Fiji at the Rugby League World Cup.
“It was awesome get away from footy for a bit and spending time with the family was great,” he said.
“After about eight weeks off the body has recovered well and I’m looking forward to getting back into it.”
I’m looking forward to making the most of the next few weeks.
Api Koroisau
Koroisau is one of several key signings for Wests Tigers, and will join the likes Isaiah Papali’i, David Klemmer and John Bateman in a new-look pack of forwards.
He says he’s impressed with how the team is shaping up.
“The club’s made some incredible buys with some real experience in Klemmer and Batemen,” he said.
“Sheensy has also been talking very highly of some of the younger guys coming through as well, so that’s exciting too.”
The crafty hooker is also hoping to learn a thing or two from assistant coach Robbie Farah, who not so long ago, was also one of the best number nines in the game.
“I think experience is invaluable and when someone like Robbie talks, he’s done it all, you just have to listen and take it on board,” he said.
It was pretty cool actually, and Robbie gave me some great pointers today in fact.
Api Koroisau
“They‘re not afraid to pick me up on what I’m trying to get done for the team and what they need me to do.
“I think this is going to work really well.”
Koroisau says the club’s desire to win its second premiership starts with baby steps.
“We all want to win a premiership but the most important thing right now for us is getting the fundamentals right,” he said.
“We’ve got to get the most out of the next five weeks, make sure we have a good pre-season and when the trials come around, we look like a footy team.”
Koroisau won his first NRL premiership with South Sydney before claiming another two titles with Penrith Panthers, so it may surprise that his true love growing up, was Wests Tigers.
“This was my club when I was growing up,” he revealed.
“I wasn’t a huge footy fan when I was young but I always supported the Tigers and watched Benji (Marshall) and Scott Prince play.”
“All my uncles and family are Tigers supporters.
I’m really excited to be here and to be a part of something special with the rebuild.”
Api Koroisau
