Penrith shock Bulldogs in stunning move to secure signature of API Koroisau

The word around town was that talented hooker Api Koroisau’s move to the Bulldogs for 2020 was a done deal - and then Penrith swooped with plenty of help from former Manly coach Trent Barrett.

Manly's API Koroisau makes a break to set up a try by Manly's Daly Cherry-Evans during the Manly v Wests Tigers rugby league match at Leichhardt Oval, Sydney. Picture: Brett Costello

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Trent Barrett can be revealed as the man who helped Penrith snare the shock signature of Api Koroisau.

In a market move that nobody saw coming, Koroisau on Friday knocked back at least three suitors to sign a three-year deal with the Panthers.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal the Panthers started negotiating with Koroisau immediately after former Sea Eagles coach Barrett was announced as one of Ivan Cleary’s assistants for next year.

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Manly's Api Koroisau is headed to Penrith in 2020. Picture: Brett Costello

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Appointed to the role two weeks ago, Barrett became a key figure in the negotiations that were kept top secret.

Barrett remained close with Koroisau after helping the hooker become one of the NRL’s most dynamic playmakers during his time as Manly coach.

It is understood the Bulldogs – one of the three clubs that showed interest in the unwanted Manly hooker - gave up on landing Koroisau following Barrett’s appointment.

Despite reports suggesting the Bulldogs were about to announce signing the Manly No.9, the news of the Penrith coup came as no shock to Bulldogs officials.

The Sea Eagles cut Koroisau loose to free up cash for Jake Trbojevic. Picture. Phil Hillyard

The club gave Koroisau’s management a deadline after learning Barrett had joined the Panthers and would be instrumental in their bid to land the Fijian international.

The deadline had passed before Friday’s signing announcement.

The Bulldogs have also ruled out signing Knights hooker Danny Levi.

Levi has been reported to be the Bulldogs back-up plan for Koroisau – but the club has expressed no interest in the Newcastle rake.

Trent Barrett was the man who lured Koroisau to Penrith. Picture: Dan Himbrechts

The Bulldogs are content to give Jeremy Marshall-King another season at No.9 following a strong season finish.

Jack Cogger could also be in the hunt to become the club’s long term hooker.

A Bulldogs official said the club would not sign a hooker unless another top-flight No.9 became available.

Koroisau also knocked back interest from the Tigers and Warriors to sign the Penrith deal worth an estimated $1.5m over three years.

Koroisau will be released from the final two years of his Manly deal with the club expected to pay part of his Penrith salary after telling the No.9 to find a new home.

Originally published as Penrith shock Bulldogs in stunning move to secure signature of API Koroisau