‘I’d pick him’: Wests Tigers massacre ignites Origin hooker conundrum

Last-ditch efforts to snatch a State of Origin jersey have raised more questions than answers for Blues coach Brad Fittler.

Did Api Koroisau just play himself back into a Blues jersey? Photo: Getty Images and NRL Photos

If selections for the first State of Origin match came down to their performances in round 12, Api Koroisau would without a doubt be the NSW Blues No. 9.

The Tigers’ rake may not have been the flashiest player on the field but he was the general and architect of the Wests Tigers’ 66-18 obliteration of the North Queensland Cowboys.

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Koroisau had just six runs for 30m but put on three line break assists, three try assists and a team-high 34 tackles as the Tigers had an absolute night out feasting on the Cowboys.

While Souths dummy half Damien Cook didn’t disgrace himself by any means in the Rabbitohs’ shock 36-16 loss to the Parramatta Eels, it was an untimely defeat for the veteran.

He ran seven times for 64m and made 48 tackles, six of which were deemed ineffective.

And according to Fox League’s Michael Ennis, the former Panthers’ hooker has the advantage.

While he had just two runs for six metres, he had a line break assist and a try assist in the Tigers’ first try through Stefano Utoikamanu, Koroisau moved his side around the field.

After the seventh minute try, Michael Ennis said Koroisau had the chance to press his selection chances.

“Last night it was Damien Cook who had the opportunity to show the selectors that they just had to name him in the NSW side — I thought he left the door ajar a fraction,” he said.

“I didn’t think it was a dominant performance from Cook and out of the blocks has come Api Koroisau tonight.”

Api Koroisau is turning the Tigers around. Photo by Matt King/Getty Images

Although Brad Fittler could select two hookers, making the debate who should start rather than who should play, NSW have been encouraged to pick just one hooker with a utility off the bench in 2023 and not try to copy the Maroons’ tactic of interchanging Harry Grant and Ben Hunt at dummy half.

While Koroisau wasn’t the best player on the field in the bloodbath, he did everything he needed to do as his teammates went berserk to open up a 24-6 lead at halftime.

It was just the start as the skipper was the general in the middle as the Tigers marched away up the field.

The side continued in the second half opening a 36-6 lead by the 47th minute.

Questioned after the Tigers had scored first in the second stanza, Fox League’s Dan Ginnane asked Ennis who he believed had their nose in front in his opinion as a former NSW Origin rake himself.

“They’re both great options,” Ennis said.

“I love what Cook brings when you’ve got momentum because he’s so dynamic with his running game and his combination with Cameron Murray. But Murray’s out on an edge, he might spend some time in the middle but you’d imagine it’ll be (Isaah) Yeo that plays the big minutes through the middle, and that Koroisau connection, it’d be hard to go past.

“On his performance tonight, it has to be Koroisau.”

Cook and Koroisau were used in tandem in last years’ Origin series. Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images

At the very least, it will give the Blues selectors plenty to think about with the likes of Koroisau and Cook playing for the No. 9, Jarome Luai, Nicho Hynes, Cody Walker and even Matt Burton in No. 6 contention, and those who miss out fighting for the bench utility slot.

When asked if Koroisau could have done anymore to earn the Blues’ No. 9, coach Tim Sheens said: “I’d pick him tomorrow, it’s true, I’d pick him tomorrow.”

But Koroisau wasn’t about to get ahead of himself.

“It was a great game,” Koroisau said. “Everyone did their job tonight and it made my job really easy. I think we defended really well as a team and attacked really well as a team.

“Origin’s obviously around the corner but I’ve done what I can do and I’m happy just to wait for whatever happens.”

Originally published as ‘I’d pick him’: Wests Tigers massacre ignites Origin hooker conundrum