When Wests Tigers were down 16-0 after 22 minutes courtesy of a Turbocharged Sea Eagles side finding plenty of open space at Leichhardt last round they were going to need something exceptional from a special player to turn things around for the home team..

Enter Api Koroisau, spying lazy markers, he takes one of his trademark scoots for the line and scores. Suddenly the Tigers have renewed energy that would see them score another five tries and snatch a victory for the second week in a row.

This is nothing new for the joint venture’s inspirational leader. In another tough season where the club will fight it out with Parramatta for the wooden spoon, the Fijian international has played himself to exhaustion, ignored injuries, never stopped scheming and has refused to make excuses over the last two years when victories have been rare.

Benji Marshall has endured the misery of being the losing coach in many post match press conferences this year. He has been effusive in his praise for the club captain knowing he always gives 100 percent and never gives up.

An absolute warrior and inspirational leader, Api Koroisau is set to go down as one of the greats to wear the Wests Tigers jersey pic.twitter.com/nHHEWT0hTO

— Stuart McLennan (@Discomclennan) August 22, 2024

“After Api scored it gave us a bit of momentum and confidence. From there on we were pretty solid,” Marshall said.

“This bloke, unbelievable,” Marshall added in admiration for Koroisau who many believe was unlucky not to have clinched at least a bench spot in the NSW team this season. .

If you asked Wests Tiger fans who they admire most in the squad there is a good chance Api’s name will be at the top of the list but that was not always the case.

Immediately after Penrith’s Grand Final win in 2022, Korisau who has three premiership rings to his name, openly mocked Wests Tigers chances of adding to his premiership tally. While there wax plenty of truth in the sentiment it was another kick in the teeth for supporters fed up with highly paid players coming to the club and using it as a pre- retirement bonus wit my seemingly no investment in turning the team’s fortunes around.

On the contrary Koroisau’s obvious passion and resilience in the face of adversity has been a positive for Wests Tigers fans in amongst the gloom.

With fellow premiership winners Luai and Turuva moving to Concord to help Koroisau guide and mentor the group of talented youngsters, there is optimism for 2025 to be the best campaign since 2011. If that happens, look for the relentless scheming little hooker to be right amongst the action.