Apisai Koroisau (born 7 November 1992) is a Fiji international rugby league footballer who plays as a hooker and is the captain of the Wests Despite being yet to coach his first game since taking over from Tim Sheens, Marshall has taken a hands-on role in trying to attract some of the NRL’s best available talent to the wooden spooners of the last two seasons.
And he’s set his sights on the market’s biggest name, one who has admitted Marshall was his idol growing up, and has so far resisted signing a $1.7 million, two-year extension from the Panthers. The Tigers are yet to table a formal offer to Luai, but Marshall’s decision to meet the 26-year-old is an indication the club is ready to make a statement signing.
Marshall did his best to distance himself from any Luai speculation just over a week ago when he fronted reporters in Sydney, preferring to focus on the players he will have at his disposal for 2024. Veteran half Aidan Sezer, Jayden Sullivan and Latu Fainu will all join the Tigers next season, while Adam Doueihi is on the comeback trail from an ACL tear and could be available later in the season. The club also has highly rated teenager Lachlan Galvin on their books.
“All players that come onto the market, you’ve got to have a look at, especially if they’re marquee players,” Marshall said. “But we’ve signed halves. We’ve got four halves for the season going into it. We’ll prioritise that at the moment.” The Marshall interest only adds to the intrigue in the Luai stakes, which could have a domino effect on the sluggish player market for the likes of North Queensland’s Tom Dearden and the Roosters’ Joseph Manu.
Marshall wanted an experienced half in Sezer at the club to provide direction after Luke Brooks’ switch to Manly, but Luai could easily assume the halfback role at the Tigers and run a team away from the shadow of Nathan Cleary.
