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They say the true indication of a great clubman is the type of person players want to play alongside. With Api Koroisau, it’s that and so much more.
Ahead of his 250th NRL game this Sunday at CommBank Stadium, we asked Api’s Wests Tigers team-mates to tell us in their words what the popular hooker and captain means to them.
Hear what Api had to say on game 250 on Wests Tigers YouTube here
Jarome Luai
“From day one, I’ve called him sensei. He leads from his actions. He is a good thinker and knows how to say the right things. He wears his heart on his sleeve with every game he plays, he battles through injury, and has always been a great role model for myself. He is one of a kind. It’s probably been one of my greatest achievements to co-captain an NRL team alongside him.”
Sunia Turuva
“Api is definitely one of the toughest players I’ve played with. Something that rarely gets spoken about is how he is able to play through injury just so he can be there on the field for the boys. After all these years, he’s still the most deceptive hooker in the game in attack and in defence, he does so much of the cover stuff no one notices. He’s always been team first and that’s what we love about him, all heart.”
Terrell May
“250 games for the skipper, what an achievement for anyone. ‘Mr Miyagi’, a great leader with very few words but with plenty of action. A brother that literally says when he goes to war for his brothers, he means it and you know what you are going to get with him each week. Humble, calm, competitor and most of all, family man. Always the smallest bloke but biggest heart. You see his craft, skills, and athleticism but the most impressive thing about him is the stuff he does off the ball which makes him our leader and a great team-mate.”
Adam Doueihi
“Team first, tough, elite skill level. There’s a list of 100 words on praise that I can give this guy. The way he performs and leads for us on the field is unmatched and it’s a credit to him to be able to be in a rare group of players to reach 250 games.”
Jahream Bula
“Api’s unselfish. Good leader. He practices what he preaches. He holds you accountable which are the qualities of a good leader. He has a great personality. Very funny, witty and cheeky.”
Kai Pearce-Paul
“As a player, Api is tough and he leads by his actions. It’s never a foot back with Api, he’s always given 100 per cent in leading the boys. He’s a very humble person, a real kick back. He doesn’t always scream or shouts, but the boys highly respect him and follow him.”
Fonua Pole
“He has given me a lot of tries. He has set them up. He does all the dirty work for the team. As a person, he is unselfish. Personality wise, he’s a clown. Loves a laugh.”
Jock Madden
"Api is a great leader and role model to all the players. He is always willing to help whenever he can. Everyone listens to him when's he speaking. His craft and deceptiveness are the best I've seen at this level."
Royce Hunt
"Api is a true competitor. An absolute pleasure to play with and an absolute nightmare to play against."
Patrick Herbert
“Api is someone I look up to with the way he carries himself, his leadership qualities, and just being a genuine bloke. An older head in a smaller body on the field but you wouldn’t think it the way he performs on a consistent basis. All love Skip”
Taylan May
“I look at Api as a man of knowledge and wisdom on and off the field. That’s why I gave him the nickname of sensei because he sorts of reminds me of that.”
Samuela Fainu
“He is a fierce warrior who leads by his actions. Api is a real character, easy going, massive family man. He is just good to have around the boys as the leader of our group. We’re in good hands with Api.”
Latu Fainu
“Api is one of the most respected players in our game. He is a natural leader and you can go to him about anything and he is always willing to help you. We're very fortunate to have him."
Sione Fainu
"There is so much to appreciate about Api. He's tremendous football ability speaks for itself. Off the field, he truly is one of a kind. Very humble, caring and always there for his team-mates and family."
Heamasi Makasini
“Api has been a big help since I came into first grade. As one of the younger boys, he’s always looked out for me, shown leadership, and put the team first. Reaching 250 games is a huge achievement and reflects his hard work and impact on the club. I’m grateful to learn from him and play alongside him.”
Heath Mason
"Api is a leader, someone who took me in as a young kid coming through with welcoming arms. He's humble and doesn't like being celebrated but is someone that will sit down and have a genuine conversation with you about anything. He is also someone you can learn from his smarts, not only on the footy field but with life in general. I appreciate everything Api has done for me, and he is someone who I have a lot of respect for."
Ethan Roberts
"Ultimate leader and competitor in everything he does."
Jared Haywood
“Api is a humble, inspiring and great leader both on and off the field. He’s very easy to approach and talk to which has made it super easy for me and develop my game off.”
Tony Sukkar
“Api’s the ultimate competitor, always leads from the front and never takes a backwards step.”
Javon Andrews
“Api’s been a massive leader for us and someone I’ve learned a lot from. The way he goes about his footy and looks after the boys and sets the standards every day. It’s been awesome being able to play alongside him.”
Junior Tupou
"To me, Apri represents everything you'd want in a team-mate. He leads by example, stays humble, and always brings out the best in the people around him. He's been a role model to so many of us, and it's been a privilege to play alongside him."
Kit Laulilii
“Api is all heart in everything he does. The real definition of what hard work and dedication looks like. He is someone to die for on that field and someone worth celebrating off it. He has loyalty to the brim.”
Jeral Skelton
“I know what Api means to me in that he’s a true leader. He will always put his team-mates, friends, or family before himself. Selfless is what I best describe him. He is just someone I love having on my side, whether it’s on the field or off it.”
Mavrik Geyer
“Api is a true master of the mental game. As tough as they come and a genuine leader.”
Charlie Murray
"Api is a true leader and is all you could ask for in a skipper. He always gives it his everything."
Peter Taateo
“Api is what a true leader looks like. 250 games is an incredible milestone for one of the best hookers our game has seen. Api has a special way of making everyone around him better, and he always knows when it’s time to have a laugh and when it’s time to put your head down and work. There’s no one I’d rather have leading us from the front. Proud to call him our captain and even prouder to share this milestone with him.”
