Api Koroisau charged twice in Wests Tigers’ win over Canberra
Updated ,first published
Leichhardt Oval: Wests Tigers will be on the mend after Api Koroisau was cleared of a hip-drop tackle and a dangerous throw that could also threaten NSW Origin preparations.
Koroisau was sin-binned approaching the half-hour mark on Thursday night when he fell on the back of Canberra back-rower Noah Martin’s leg.
Martin screamed in pain, remaining on the field but spending most of the second half watching from the bench.
The Raiders scored two tries with Koroisau on the sidelines.
If the match review committee charges Koroisau on Friday morning, he will be looking at nothing more than a first-degree dangerous contact charge, which carries a $3,000 fine. However, a charge of second-degree dangerous contact would carry a three-match ban.
Koroisau has already been charged with three counts of dangerous contact.
Then in the 53rd minute Koroisau was put on report for a second time for a lifting tackle on Morgan Smithies. Koroisau faces a two-match ban if charged with first-degree dangerous throwing.
Any time out of the game would be a huge blow for the Tigers, who will face Cronulla, Melbourne and then Manly in the Magic Round.
The minimum three-match ban also means Koroisau will not play again before Origin I. Koroisau is in contention for a recall in NSW after Penrith hooker Mitch Kenny was sidelined for up to three months with a broken leg.
Tigers coach Benji Marshall struggled to explain why Koroisau was sanctioned for both tackles, specifically the alleged hip-drop.
“It’s probably not a good time but who cares; the inconsistency in referees is bothering me right now,” Marshall said.
“I know we won, but some of the calls… It’s hard to understand. Even Api’s case with the sin bin, I don’t know what he should do in that situation. He’s making a cover from behind, he needs to get his legs done, too, and that’s where he’ll end up.”
“I don’t think it was intentional. He spent ten minutes, of course that’s enough.”
“I think the fans deserve some consistency in the interpretation of the rules. We don’t get that.”
Marshall said: “If it were up to me I would probably challenge it. [the penalty]. “I didn’t think it was that bad.”
Koroisau was excellent for most of the night and was unlucky not to receive his own penalty midway through the second half after Ethan Sanders kicked him in the face.
Tigers took a 10-0 lead at Leichhardt Oval (official tally 17,153) with tries from Luke Laulilii and Adam Doueihi. Laulilii pounced on a wobbly Koroisau shot from the left corner.
Already missing Simi Sasagi and Josh Papalii, as well as the suspended Hudson Young, to injury, the Raiders were in serious trouble with Ethan Strange leaving the field in the first 10 minutes. He received a pain-relieving injection into his ankle and was able to return before the break.
The best moment of the night came in the 46th minute when Jarome Luai slotted Samuela Fainu into a hole before the huge back-rower took the shot and turned to tuck in the pass for Doueihi to score his second try.
The second best moment was when Doueihi looked set to score a hat-trick but Kaeo Weekes produced a stronger tackle as the last line of defence.
The third best moment was when the great Royce Hunt showed serious pace to score the final try. Who knew the big guy could move so fast?
As for Doueihi, fans should re-read Andrew Johns’ column from Thursday. reporter On why the Tigers are a fan favorite The ideal number 14 for the Blues. The Tigers’ Mr. Fix-It gets better every week.
In-form back rower Kai Pearce-Paul failed a head injury assessment, meaning he will be unavailable next week, while Jahream Bula went off the field with a shoulder injury in the final 10 minutes. He was greeted with a rock star reception as he walked towards the bench in front of the main stand.
The Tigers head to Cronulla next Sunday, while Canberra will take on the Gold Coast.
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