'Maybe my time had passed': Frank realisation driving Api's Blues bid
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NSW hooker Api Koroisau is determined to make the most of his Blues recall after conceding he feared he'd never return to the Origin arena.
The 33-year-old is in the mix to play his first State of Origin match since Game One 2023 after he was named on the six-man bench for next week's clash at the MCG.
With Reece Robson making the No.9 jumper his own in the past few years and Blayke Brailey starring as his back-up in Game One, Koroisau had come to accept he may not get another shot at representing his state.
Api pounces on the loose ball
An injury to Brailey opened the door for the veteran and he's eager to play a key role in the Blues' quest to wrap up the series.
"I understood that maybe my time had passed and I wouldn't get an opportunity," Koroisau told NRL.com. "I was always going to stay ready if I did get one.
"It's amazing to be back. It came in hard circumstances with Blayke hurting himself, but it's nice to be around this group again. I'm excited to be here and do my job."
Match: Blues v Maroons
Game 2 -
home Team
Blues
away Team
Maroons
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Koroisau has played in four Origin matches in a decorated career that also includes premierships with the Rabbitohs and Panthers throughout more than a decade in the NRL.
The hooker has played a key role in the Wests Tigers resurgence in the past couple of years, helping lift the club off the bottom of the table and into the finals picture.
A suspension impacted Koroisau's chances of being named for Origin I last month, with Brailey instead making the most of his opportunity.
The frantic final minutes
The Shark fractured his arm just days after making his NSW debut, opening the door for Koroisau's recall.
The veteran's exact role won't be known until the match kicks off next Wednesday night, with coach Laurie Daley already declaring his intention to utilise Ethan Strange off the bench at some point.
While he has typically been used as an 80-minute hooker in the past, Koroisau is confident he can utilise his speed to take advantage of tiring defenders.
"It's been a long time since I came off the bench but I'm looking forward to it," Koroisau said.
"I'm definitely going to try and use my speed when I come on. There's nothing better for a hooker than fatigue and a tiring player in defence so I'll be looking to take advantage if I do get the opportunity."
Koroisau has enjoyed a reunion with a host of former teammates since joining the Blues in camp this week.
The hooker won two premierships with the Panthers and has embraced the opportunity to train and play alongside Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Brian To'o.
Cleary dominates Origin 1
Having benefited from Koroisau's attacking spark in the past, Cleary is eager to link up with the hooker on the field next Wednesday night.
"Api's deception and subtleties at hooker are some of the best I've seen," Cleary said. "I always love it when I'm able to play alongside him.
"He's really tough and he's a great defender. With the ball he opens up so much space for everyone else. I've been lucky enough to play with him in clubland and in Origin and thoroughly enjoyed it every time so I'm looking forward to linking up with him again."
A record crowd is set to pack into the MCG for Game Two of the State of Origin series. Tickets are selling fast, so click here to secure your seats before they sell out.
