Benji Marshall has made no apologies for prioritising the signature of veteran Api Koroisau ahead of 20-year-old Tallyn Da Silva and insisted he understood the young dummy half’s desire to leave the club to play regular first grade.
After meeting with the North Queensland Cowboys and Parramatta last weekend, Da Silva’s management met with Manly – who are tabling a three-year deal – on Wednesday, while Newcastle were preparing their sales pitch on Thursday.
Sources with knowledge of the situation not authorised to speak publicly said Da Silva’s preference was to join another Sydney club so he could stay close to family. There remains a slim chance Da Silva could strike a deal and exit the Tigers before Monday’s June 30 transfer deadline.
Marshall on Thursday shot down suggestions the situation had caused a rift with CEO Shane Richardson, who was more keen on Da Silva – a local junior viewed by the club as a ten-year first-grader. Both Koroisau and Da Silva are signed until the end of 2026.
“Me and ‘Richo’ are on the same page,” Marshall said. “The plan from the beginning is what we’ve executed, and nothing has changed
“He’s a really good kid who has a bright future, and I understand the sentiment of, ‘You need to try and keep them all’, but at the same time we’re putting our eggs into Api’s basket for the next few years.
Benji Marshall has defended the decision to prioritise the signing of Api Koroisau ahead of 20-year-old Tallyn Da Silva.Credit: Getty Images
“He’s the guy to help us win more games. To be fair, he’s probably been our best player the past few years, and he’s got more left in the tank.
“I can understand Tallyn wanting to play more minutes and be in first grade, and not wait behind him [Koroisau]. It’s hard to stop a guy in that instance. The difference is, he actually does want to be here. It’s not like he’s saying he wants out. He just wants to play first grade.
“Api is our captain as well. He plays 80 minutes each week, he puts in for the team, and has a lot left to give. We’re prioritising that at the moment.”
Da Silva has been named in the No.14 jersey for Friday’s trip to Manly as the Tigers try to end a five-match losing streak. Da Silva was close friends with Lachlan Galvin, who recently left the Tigers to join Canterbury.
Tallyn Da Silva scores a try against Cronulla before being greeted by Api KoroisauCredit: Getty Images
Jarome Luai shifts to No.6, with Latu Fainu the new starting halfback. Marshall said Fainu played direct and square, which would allow Luai to play with more freedom.
“They’re both threats with the footy, they can both run, both have ball-playing ability, and both can kick,” Marshall said.
Marshall also confirmed Taylan May would play half a game in reserve grade on Saturday, and was training well since being thrown a lifeline earlier this month.
May was sacked by Penrith last year and stood down by the NRL under their no-fault stand-down policy after being charged with assaulting his wife. He pleaded not guilty to the charges, which were later withdrawn.
“I didn’t really know him before he came here, so all I can talk about is what he’s done since he’s been here, and he’s been no problem whatsoever – he’s put his head down, and is working really hard,” Marshall said.
“There’s some private stuff he’s been working on himself, which is always a good sign without us enforcing that.
“He’s a guy who really wants to turn his life around. He understands where he’s at, this is probably one of his last shots if he doesn’t get it right, but all the signs are positive so far.”
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