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The Wests Tigers have enjoyed a rare win with Panthers star Api Koroisau confirming there is zero chance of him reneging on his deal to move to Concord in spite of the club’s record breaking loss on the weekend.
Koroisau didn’t watch Saturday’s game when the Tigers were pumped 72-6 in a virtual training drill by the Roosters in the final game at the SCG.
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It was such a poor effort that some have called it the worst performance in the club’s history, but the on field struggles won’t have any impact on the State of Origin hooker who is committed to helping them turn things around.
The 29-year-old signed a deal for the next two seasons with an option for a third year.
“It’s all good for me. I’ve made my peace and committed to the decision so I wouldn’t want to back out anyway,” Koroisua told the NCA NewsWire.
“I didn’t even see what happened on Saturday.
“Honestly, until I get there next year, I won’t be thinking about them too much. It is what it is on the field and they’re obviously having a bit of trouble on the field at the moment, but I’ll worry about that when I get there.”
A lot has changed at the club since Koroisau signed with the Tigers, but the crafty hooker revealed he hasn’t spoken with incoming coach Tim Sheens since Michael Maguire was punted a few months ago.
“He did call me when Michael Maguire got sacked, but nothing since,” he said.
“That’s fine by me because I’m more than happy to focus on what I’ve got going on here. I understand that I’ve got a role to play here before anything else.”
While Koroisau is happy to help the embattled club, fellow big recruit Isaiah Papali’i has cold feet ahead of his move from the Eels.
“I haven’t spoken with Isaiah,” he said.
“I understand his position. He’s a young guy who is trying to make career moves now so I can see where he’s coming from.”
Working with younger players is something Koroisau looks forward to after helping take Penrith’s talented rookies and turning the side into a premiership force.
It’s a challenge he’ll face at the Tigers, but he says he doesn’t need the captaincy to be a good elder.
“That doesn’t bother me,” he said.
“I get that it’s a big opportunity and can be a huge achievement for some people, but it’s not at the forefront of my mind to have that role.
“I’m at a point in my career where I’m not trying to do much. I’m going there to do a job and be a leader, and I think I can do that at the Tigers. I think I can help out there and I enjoy that challenge.”
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Meanwhile, teammate James Fisher-Harris is set to return for Friday’s game against the Warriors after missing the past fortnight through suspension.
Fisher-Harris has spent the past two weeks pushing himself to the limits with Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai, who have also missed the past few games.
The game’s premier prop says he’s refreshed and can’t wait to be there when the club gets their second JJ Giltinan Shield in three years.
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“I did every training session and did some extras with Nathan and Jarome,” he said, indicating he’d be happy to play the next two weeks leading into the finals rather than get another week off to rest.
“I think the break was a blessing in disguise, but I don’t want to make a habit of getting suspended often. The body is thankful for the two weeks off but I’m ready to go.”
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