Apisai Koroisau has won the battle for the NSW number nine jersey for the opening game of this year’s State of Origin series.
In his first season at Wests Tigers, Koroisau has been one of the team’s most consistent performers in 2023, despite a difficult start to the season.
The crafty dummy half has been particularly impressive over the past month, guiding his side to consecutive victories over the Panthers and Dragons, and playing a pivotal role in Saturday night’s demolition of North Queensland Cowboys.
Koroisau has been saying for a few weeks that his focus is on Wests Tigers and believes his teammates have played a key role in his selection.
“I’m stoked to be in the team again and I’m so proud to be here as a Wests Tigers player.
You don’t get into rep teams without the help of your club teammates, and I’m well aware of that.
Api Koroisau
“This is really special for me.”
When asked on Saturday night after his team’s monster win over the Cowboys whether Koroisau had done enough to retain the Blues #9 jersey, Tim Sheens was quick with his reply.
“I’d pick him tomorrow,” said the Wests Tigers coach.
Upon learning of Api's selection, Sheens says his captain should be very proud of this achievement.
“I speak on behalf of his teammates in wishing Api all the best in this year’s Origin series.”
NSW Blues squad for Origin I: (in alphabetical order)
Josh Addo-Carr (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)
Tyson Frizell (Newcastle Knights)
Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos)
Nicho Hynes (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
Apisai Koroisau (Wests Tigers)
Jarome Luai (Penrith Panthers)
Liam Martin (Penrith Panthers)
Latrell Mitchell (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Cameron Murray (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Tevita Pangai Junior (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Junior Paulo (Parramatta Eels)
James Tedesco (c) (Sydney Roosters)
Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers)
Tom Trbojevic (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)
Isaah Yeo (Penrith Panthers)
Hudson Young (Canberra Raiders)
18th player – Campbell Graham (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
The opening game of the 2023 Ampol State of Origin series is being played at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday 31 May.
