Jarome Luai to share Tigers captaincy with Api Koroisau
Superstar recruit Jarome Luai will share Wests Tigers’ captaincy with Apisai Koroisau as the struggling NRL club attempts to chart a course up the ladder.
Perhaps the joint venture club’s most important signing in history, Luai had identified the chance to lead the Tigers’ attack as motivation for leaving all-conquering Penrith for 2025.
Four-time premiership-winner Luai has become known for his on-field chatter across 131 NRL games.
But the 28-year-old halfback has never skippered a game at NRL level, though he is Samoa’s incumbent captain at international level.
“Being named captain of the Wests Tigers with Api is an honour I don’t take lightly,” said Luai, a Tigers fan in his childhood.”Api has set an incredible standard as a leader and I’m excited to work alongside him again and contribute to building something special here.”
Koroisau has excelled since making his own move from Penrith for the 2023 season and has been the Tigers’ sole captain for the last two seasons.
He has comfortably been the club’s best player in that time despite consecutive wooden spoons, earning selection in the 2023 NSW State of Origin team before a series-ending jaw injury.
Koroisau and Luai won the 2021 and 2022 premierships with the Panthers, the first of four consecutive titles for the side.
“It’s a privilege to captain this club and to now share that role with Jarome is really exciting,” Koroisau said. “Over the past two years I’ve seen first hand the potential we have, and I’m confident we’re heading in the right direction.”
The captaincy announcement comes as recruits Royce Hunt, Sunia Turuva, Jack Bird and Jeral Skelton all prepare for their club debuts at the three-time reigning wooden spooners.
Coach Benji Marshall is hopeful the Tigers will flourish under Luai’s co-captaincy.
“Adding Jarome’s passion and creativity to our leadership structure makes this partnership really exciting,” he said.”Together, they bring a balance of stability and flair that will drive our team forward in 2025.”
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