NRL 2020: Penrith signing Api Koroisau could take Panthers into top tier

Cameron Smith is still the King of the No.9s and the most influential player in the game, but little Api Koroisau could be the dynamic signing which lifts Penrith into the NRL’s top tier.

FOR SUNDAY TELE FIRST USE. thanksCaption: Penrith Panthers' new recruit Api Koroisau. Credit Penrith Panthers Supplied 28/11/19

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Cameron Smith is still the King of the No.9s, but little Api Koroisau might be the man who can take Penrith back to the top.

There were four real standout performances in round one — Smith, Benji Marshall, Jack Wighton and Koroisau.

Counting down the months to his 37th birthday, Smith clearly remains the most influential player in the game — and the reason why the Storm will remain top four contenders if the competition survives the coronavirus crisis.

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New recruit Api Koroisau looked right at home steering Penrith around the park on Saturday. Picture: Penrith Panthers.

While the second oldest player in the comp was equally outstanding in the Tigers’ win over St George Illawarra with Benji dominating in the absence of the injured Luke Brooks.

Almost as impressive was the performance of the young Tigers forwards. Before the season most people were of the belief the Tigers didn’t have the grunt in the middle to take on the heavyweights.

But from what we saw against the Dragons who have a star-studded pack, young tearaway Tigers Josh Aloiai, Thomas Mikaele, Alex Twal and Zane Musgrove will be backing themselves in any fight.

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It will be really interesting to see how they go against the Newcastle pack that was so dominant against the Warriors.

Meanwhile Wighton was dynamic for Canberra with a two-try performance that clearly showed why he should enter the NSW halves debate this year.

Cameron Smith remains the most influential player in the game. Picture: Getty

But Penrith fans should be equally rejoicing Koroisau’s performance with his work from dummy half taking enormous pressure off Nathan Cleary, who also looks outstanding.

I didn’t have Penrith in my top eight after what they dished up last year.

But from what I’ve seen in the trial against Parramatta and then the win over the Roosters, they will be this year’s biggest improvers.