Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Api Koroisau injury fears have left Wests Tigers facing a major finals blow after the hooker suffered a suspected torn pectoral muscle in Saturday’s 24-10 NRL loss to St George Illawarra at Kogarah Oval.
The Dragons claimed only their second win of the season, with Valentine Holmes scoring a late double to lift St George Illawarra’s hopes of avoiding the wooden spoon.
The result came after another injury-hit weekend across Australian sport, including Jack Ross’ concussion blow in Carlton’s win over Richmond.
Koroisau Blow Hits Tigers Hard
Koroisau did not want to discuss the injury after the match, but scans will decide whether he needs surgery.
If confirmed, the injury could end his season and leave Wests Tigers without one of their most important players during their top-eight push.
The Tigers slipped to 12th with a 7-9 record and have now lost seven of nine games since Jarome Luai confirmed he plans to leave the club at the end of next season to join the PNG Chiefs.
“We got exactly what we deserved today; discipline, attention to detail, care, wasn’t good enough,” Benji Marshall said.
“Full credit to the Dragons because they earned their win and we were poor.
“We had a chance to turn up and have a real crack at it, but we weren’t good enough, people will want to say it looks like the end of our season but we won’t give up.”
Dragons Find Late Punch
Adam Doueihi scored early after Clint Gutherson was sin-binned, but St George Illawarra responded through Tyrell Sloan in the 20th minute.
Doueihi scored again after halftime to put Wests Tigers back in front, yet the match turned once Koroisau left the field and the Dragons cleaned up their errors.
Holmes crossed twice in five minutes and converted both tries, while also adding the extras to Mat Feagai’s late score.
“It’s a real credit to them and the way they’ve been turning up each day,” Dean Young said.
“I know they get paid well to it, but the situation the club is in is not easy, but they buy in and we feel like we are getting better.
“The resilience of the team really pleased me.”
Official NRL updates are available through NRL.
