Panther 547
79 matches [2015; 2020-2022]
52 points [11 tries, 4 goals]
Stats: themightypanthers.com/players_koroisau-apisai.htm
Canterbury junior and Fijian international who made his NRL debut for South Sydney in 2014. His final appearance for the Rabbitohs was their drought breaking grand final victory against the Bulldogs, and joining the Panthers for the 2015 season.
A member of the Auckland Nines squad, Koroisau made his NRL club debut for Penrith in Round 4 as the starting hooker. He would make 16 appearances in 2015, primarily at number 9 but on occasion played in the halves at both five-eighth and hooker. He also was selected for Fiji in the mid-season Test versus Papua New Guinea.
Despite signing a two year deal, he was released from his second year when he signed with Manly for the 2016 season, and during that time started to establish himself as one of the premier hookers in the competition.
After four seasons at the Sea Eagles he returned to the Panthers in 2020.
Making 20 appearances, his imperious form in the number 9 jumper was a key contributor in transforming Penrith’s attack as they finished minor premiers for the first time since 2003.
Despite suffering a wrist injury in the opening round of the 2021 season, he made a return after six weeks and his form was rewarded with selection in the NSW State of Origin squad, making his debut in Game 3. However, a COVID breach whilst in camp saw him cop a suspension, but returned with a few weeks remaining in the regular season, and remained the starting hooker throughout the finals series that culminated in the grand final victory. In December, he signed with the Wests Tigers for 2023 and beyond, meaning 2022 would be his final season at Penrith.
He retained his spot in the New South Wales squad in 2022, and later in the season was strategically shifted to the bench with great effect. It would be his final season at the Panthers, having signed with Wests Tigers late in 2021 for the 2023 season and beyond. He left Penrith as a two time premiership winning player, and was selected for Fiji in the World Cup squad at season’s end.
Page last updated 26 November 2023
The Mighty Panthers 