Wests Tigers respond to Api Koroisau jibe during Penrith celebrations
The Wests Tigers have responded to inbound No.9 Api Koroisau after the Penrith hooker took a sly dig at his next club during the team's NRL grand final celebrations.
Koroisau has been forced to leave the Panthers due to salary cap troubles and will link up with the Tigers for next season.
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When asked about the Panthers winning back-to-back titles, the hooker said "we'll probably do the same thing at Tigers" before bursting out laughing.
The comment certainly turned some heads in the NRL world and the Tigers have now responded.
Club Chairman Lee Hagipantelis and Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe contacted the Fiji international's manager, Giancarlo Lombardo, on Monday night to discuss the jibe.
"The matter has been dealt with and dealt with privately," Hagipantelis told SEN.
Tigers officials claimed they are still looking forward to Koroisau's arrival and weren't concerned with the celebratory comment.
"As I understand it, Api is a thoroughly decent fellow and presents as such. I'm sure if he had his time again he might rethink those comments," Hagipantelis said.
"It was on the spur of the moment, emotions play a large part and perhaps some alcohol as well.
"We're not going to put a lot of stock into it and we're very keen on welcoming him to the club."
Penrith under fire for grand final celebrations
Koroisau's comment wasn't the only concern raised during Penrith's celebrations.
The Panthers showed off the Provan-Summons trophy to around 3,000 adoring fans who turned up to the club's home ground on Monday morning in the wake of their grand final triumph over Parramatta.
However a number of players have left a sour taste in the mouths of fans and commentators with their actions during the celebrations.
A number of players could be seen joining in a chant of 'we hate Parra' that was started by fans, which kicked off after James Fisher-Harris declared the Eels 'are our sons'.
Jarome Luai had earlier told the Eels 'you can call us daddy' in reference to the western Sydney rivalry, and Fisher-Harris continued that trend on Monday.
The comments prompted former star Braith Anasta to hit out at the 'tasteless' behaviour.
“I love the fact that they’re having a good time and they’ve had a big night and having a drink, I’ve been there, it’s the best, you’re on top of the world,” Anasta said on NRL 360.
“But it was a bit tasteless and probably unnecessary. Just a couple of remarks there, probably unnecessary, but under the influence so cut them a bit of slack but probably not the best idea from Koroisau when he’s going there next year.”
Kent said the celebrations will take some shine off the Panthers' monumental achievements.
with AAP
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