‘Been dealt with’: Api Koroisau’s Wests Tigers taunt falls flat

Some furious Wests Tigers fans have called for his contract to be torn up after Api Koroisau’s joke went down like a lead balloon at Concord.

Api Koroisau is going. Photo: Getty Images

Api Koroisau will be heading to the Wests Tigers next season despite a joke during the Panthers premiership celebrations falling flat at Concord.

The confetti had barely finished falling on the Panthers’ second straight title when Koroisau was dragged into the principal’s office after his cheeky quip.

Watch every match of the Rugby League World Cup LIVE & Exclusive to Fox Sports, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

The 29-year-old was showing off his three premiership rings during post-game celebrations on the field when he copped a cheeky sledge.

In a video posted to social media, someone was heard telling Koroisau: “Last ones, don’t get those at the Tigers.”

He was asked on stage at Panthers Stadium how he felt about leaving to join the Tigers, who haven’t made finals since 2011.

“This place has been incredible the last three years I’ve been here. It’s turned into a family for me,” Koroisau said.

“There’s so much young talent. To go out on a high like that, it’s pretty incredible, and I’ll probably do the same thing at the Tigers,” he added sarcastically, before breaking into a fit of giggles.

The joke went down like a lead balloon for Tigers fans who claimed the club’s first ever wooden spoon in 2022.

Api Koroisau probably won’t win a premiership at the Tigers.

Apisai Koroisau of the Panthers. Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images.

There were calls from some fans to tear Koroisau’s contract up for next season but chairman Lee Hagipantelis said the move would still happen.

Speaking on SEN on Tuesday, Hagipantelis said he and CEO Justin Pascoe had already spoken to Koroisau’s management.

“The comments have not escaped our attention of course,” he said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“I suspect that this will be the first subject of conversation this morning.

“Last night, our CEO Justin Pascoe and I both reached out to Api’s manager. The matter has been dealt with and dealt with privately.

“I’m not particularly keen on giving it too much oxygen this morning.

“As I understand and I don’t know him too well, but Api is a thoroughly decent fella and presents as such.

“I’m sure if he had his time again he might rethink those comments. They were in the spur of the moment and emotions play a large part and perhaps some alcohol as well.

“We’re not going to put a lot of stock into it and we’re very keen on welcoming him to the club as soon as his World Cup commitments are complete.”

Koroisau bring considerable experience to the Tigers next season, having started in State of Origin for the Blues and claiming his third premiership following consecutive titles with the Panthers and his first triumph with the Rabbitohs in 2014.

Koroisau is joining the Tigers on a two-year deal.

It will be quite the comedown for Koroisau.

The Panthers have won 67 of their last 78 NRL matches whereas the Tigers have won 19 of 68 games in the same time but will be under legendary coach Tim Sheens next season.

Papali’i is going too. Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Hagipantelis also said Eels star Isaiah Papali’i, who was reportedly contemplating a backflip on his deal to join the Tigers, was always coming to the Tigers.

“This was a storm in a teacup, it has been for quite some time,” Hagipantelis added.

“We’ve refrained from commenting on it because there was no need to.

“We are contractually bound to Isaiah, he is contractually bound to the Wests Tigers and there’s never been any suggestion from either side that they were not going to fulfil their contractual obligations.

“We’ve received assurances that Isaiah will be joining the club as soon as his World Cup obligations are complete as well.

“We gave that story no oxygen whatsoever as well because there was nothing in it.”