Wests Tigers Api Koroisau shocked by Benji Marshall critics over mid-season trip

Api Koroisau had a blunt message for critics who had an issue with Benji Marshall’s mid-season getaway to Fiji.

Api Koroisau and Benji Marshall. Photos: News Corp/Getty Images

Wests Tigers skipper Api Koroisau says the outrage over coach Benji Marshall going on holiday over the bye week “made no sense”, with the star hooker saying he’s always available for the Blues if they decide to go in another direction.

While mid-season holidays are fairly common in the NRL, there were questions from some people as to why Marshall would leave the country in his first year as coach with his side on an eight-game losing streak.

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Marshall went to Fiji with his family while the players were told to freshen up away from footy and Koroisau can’t comprehend why people would criticise his coach for taking a small trip away.

“It made no sense. I had no clue why you’d even get upset about something like that,” he said.

“We had the whole week off as a club, everyone. The fact that everyone got up in (arms) about it, I’ll leave that for another day anyway.”

The bye came as the Blues were training in the Blue Mountains and Sydney, with plenty of people also left shocked that Koroisau was overlooked for the series opener.

Benji Marshall has been called out by some people for taking a mid-season holiday with his family. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Koroisau started game one last year but missed the rest of the series after he broke his jaw while playing for the Tigers.

The veteran started at dummy-half for Souths when they won the 2014 title under Michael Maguire, but it wasn’t enough for him to earn selection this time around, with the Blues coach opting for Reece Robson.

“I’ll keep the conversation private but he let me know before the team came out,” Koroisau said.

“Obviously, you respect his decision. I think he picked a great team, I think he picked a really hardworking team.

“I’m actually just excited to watch the boys get out there tomorrow night. I’m just grateful that I got the opportunity back then.

“My hand will always be up in case he ever needed me. At the end of the day, I’m just excited for the opportunities I did get. I’m here if he needs me.”

Api Koroisau was a shock omission from the NSW squad for game one. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Koroisau was also asked about Robson, who will don the sky blue jumper for the first time on Wednesday night.

“(Robson) is an incredible athlete, a great rugby league player and especially a great hooker,” he said.

“I think defensively he’s really strong, he’s really fit, too. I’m expecting him to go out there and steal a few metres out there too.”

While Koroisau was diplomatic, teammate Alex Twal was stunned that the game’s “best hooker” was overlooked after a brilliant start to the year.

“I am surprised (he missed Origin),” the Tigers prop said. “I think he’s the best hooker in the game, if not top three.

“He’s taken it like a true champion does. He put all his focus on preparing us well this week and playing his part in our game this Friday (against the Dragons).

“He’s the ultimate captain and ultimate professional, that’s the way he’s dealt with it this week.”

Originally published as Wests Tigers Api Koroisau shocked by Benji Marshall critics over mid-season trip