Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens has been more than impressed with new recruit Apisai Koroisau in pre-season training.
Koroisau, 30, signed a deal with the Tigers following a successful three-year stint with Penrith, where he won back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022.
Yet to prove himself in the orange and black, Sheens is certain his addition will allow the Tigers to make huge strides in 2023, especially as he partners with star halfback Luke Brooks in the middle.
“There’s no doubt (he will be a valuable edition),” Sheens told SENZ Breakfast.
While the move from the premiership-winning Panthers to the cellar-dweller Tigers raised several eyebrows, the hooker has reportedly enjoyed his time under new mentor and Tigers legend Robbie Farah.
Having coached Farah at Wests between 2003 and 2012 before returning to the helm in 2023, Sheens says he sees a lot of the former NSW captain in Koroisau and looks forward to watching him link up with Brooks.
“The number nine is very important, there’s no doubt about that,” Sheens added.
“I didn’t think we’d find another one as good as Robbie Farah for the club but Api’s certainly shown that he’s going to be right up there with that style let alone his ability.
“So I’m looking forward to them (Koroisau and Brooks) working together.”
Koroisau has three premiership titles under his belt and hopes to gain a fourth as the Tigers rebuild under Sheens.
The club’s season begins on Thursday night as they take on the NZ Warriors in the first pre-season trial match of 2023.