Wests Tigers bound hooker Apisai Koroisau has taken an ‘unnecessary’ dig at his future employer in the midst of the Penrith Panthers’ premiership-winning celebrations.
The NRL champions went a bit loose with their antics after taking home the Grand Final with a 28-12 win over the Parramatta Eels.
One moment, in particular, that has irked Tigers fans came from their new recruit Api Koroisau who took a moment to pay tribute to his former team but unfortunately took a tasteless dig at the Wests in the process.
The Fijian international took to the stage during a fan day in the early hours of Monday morning and grabbed the microphone.
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He said: “Just to go out on a high like that, it’s pretty incredible, and I’ll probably do the same thing at the Tigers.”
The 29-year-old then proceeded to snicker into the microphone with what has been labelled an ‘unnecessary’ fake laugh.
Probably not the best idea when the club you’re taking aim at has invested in a deal worth close to $2 million, according to Fox Sports.
The public perception of the Panthers has swung from one of adulation to criticism over the past few days, mostly due to public comments made by the players.
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Kiwi prop James Fisher-Harris has also been slammed for comments made during the Monday fan day.
“I just want to say Parra are our sons,” the prop said to the crowd.
Adding: “Right here, right now, that’s just a fact.”
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The comments elicited a chant of ‘we hate Parra’ from the crowd, which was encouraged by the Penrith players who joined in on the chant.
The majority of the players were still wearing their kits from the night before and looked a little worse for wear.
Rugby league legend Braith Anasta spoke about the incidents on NRL 360.
He said: “Probably not the best idea from Koroisau when he’s going there next year.
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“I’ve been there, you’re on top of the world.
“It was a bit tasteless, just a couple of remarks, probably unnecessary. But then again, you’re under the influence.”
Meanwhile, co-host Paul Kent said the moment ‘lacked class’.
Others were equally unimpressed.
Rugby league statistician and podcaster Andrew Ferguson tweeted: “If the club has any balls, any spine, any pride, they would tear up his contract right now.
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“Now is the time to prove that the Wests Tigers will not be that pathetic, weak, gutless club anymore.”
Another fan tweeted: “Imagine being a Tigers fan and hearing what Koroisau had to say today? I’d be fuming!”
Topics: Australia, Rugby League, NRL
Jayden Collins