Api Koroisau won a vote to be the Wests Tigers’ captain for 2023 in a landslide, but the premiership winning hooker is now in a race against time to overcome a calf complaint and lead his new club in round one.
Less than 12 hours after Koroisau was unveiled as the Tigers’ new skipper, coach Tim Sheens confirmed his star recruit would be put on ice for Sunday’s second and final trial.
Halfback Luke Brooks will also miss the final hit-out against Canberra, but is on track for the season opener against the Gold Coast Titans.
Fans were divided on the news of Koroisau’s appointment to the leadership role after he appeared to mock his new club during the Panthers’ premiership celebrations last year.
Sheens asked each player and coach to put forward a first and second-choice captaincy candidate – and Koroisau was the clear-cut winner.
Sheens made sure he asked Koroisau if he was comfortable with the extra responsibility before he was officially unveiled on stage at the club’s season launch. The dummy-half has been at the club just over a month.
Wests Tigers new skipper Api KoroisauCredit:Wests Tigers
Joe Ofahengaue, Stefano Utoikamanu, David Klemmer and Adan Doueihi were all viewed as potential captains to lead the club in their own right, rather than repeat the five-man captaincy model put in place 12 months ago.
“The players voted for him, I’m happy with [the appointment], the coaches have supported it, the club has supported it, and he’s the most decorated player at our club by a long way,” Sheens told the Herald.
“I asked the players to vote, Api well and truly led the voting, and when I also asked the coaches, again Api came out on top.
“He’s won three premierships, played State of Origin, led Fiji, and was unlucky not to make the Australian side. He’s a player who leads by example.
The Wests Tigers new recruit hopes to be fit for round one.Credit:Wests Tigers
“I asked him on Monday if he was comfortable accepting the captaincy. He was, so it was then formally announced. He’s getting cheekier and cheekier with the coach, and he’s become more comfortable around the place.
“The players without a doubt listen when he talks, he’s not one to overdo that, but if he thinks something needs to be said at training, he’ll pull them over and say it.”
Koroisau angered Tigers fans with his comments on stage at BlueBet Stadium, which came after a long night of celebrating the club’s second premiership. He later insisted his words had been meant as a joke, and he was committed to the challenge of returning the Tigers to the finals.
The 30-year-old is a huge addition for the Tigers, who have also signed Klemmer, Isaiah Papali’i, Charlie Staines and John Bateman, who remains stranded in the UK because of visa issues.
Sheens said Koroisau pulled up tight in the calf on Monday, and would not be risked this weekend. It is hoped he can overcome the latest injury in time for the opening game at Leichhardt Oval.
“It’s his calf, he trained really well on Friday, but he pulled up a bit sore on Monday, and the scan showed a very slight strain,” Sheens said.
“With two weeks to go we won’t risk him. It’s the same with ‘Brooksy’, he’s training really well, we want to make sure 100 per cent there are issues, but he’ll be right for round one.”
Jake Simpkin will start at hooker on Sunday, while Brandon Wakeham replaces Brooks at halfback alongside Doueihi.
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