Phil Gould has questioned why Api Koroisau has “fallen out of favour” with NSW Blues selectors, as the debate around the hooker position heats up.
For the past two series, Reece Robson has worn the No.9 jumper at State of Origin level but is under pressure from Blayke Brailey to retain the role this time around.
Brailey had a fantastic 2025 season with the Sharks and may have poked his nose in front, while Robson has joined the Sydney Roosters and remains firmly in the mix.
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But the forgotten man in the equation is Koroisau, who has only played four games for the Blues and has fallen down the pecking order since joining the Wests Tigers.
Api Koroisau during the 2021 series. Getty
However, with his club side flying early in the year and Koroisau’s form still at a high level, Gould was quizzed about why his name isn’t mentioned as much as his peers.
“I can’t understand it,” he said on Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles With Gus.
“I can’t answer you, I don’t know. He would be first picked for me, but I don’t pick teams.
“I don’t know why he’s fallen out of favour, I really don’t. Particularly too, with his long-standing combination with the other Penrith players that are gonna make the side.
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“I don’t get it, but that’s up to the coaches and selectors. I hope he does [get picked], because I think he’s the best hooker for NSW – but that’s up to them.
“The bottom line is, I don’t know why he’s fallen out of favour. Maybe they lost a game and thought they needed to reinvent the wheel.
“But to me, he’s one of the more steadying influences and more influential players. He influences the scoreboard, he brings other players onto the ball, he influences his halves and he has wonderful big-game experience.
“I don’t know what else they are looking at, I’ve got to be honest.”
Gould added that he believes the difference in past series has been in the dummy-half role, where Harry Grant has starred for the Maroons as an attacking weapon.
“That is such a key position and it’s such a key position for Queensland, that I think we’re giving away a round to, because we’re not picking Api Koroisau,” he said.
“What they are able to provide out of that area that we don’t, sometimes is the difference in results.”
Koroisau has helped the Tigers into the top-four on the NRL ladder and is still among the game’s best hookers, despite turning 34 later this year.
During an interview on Nine’s 100% Footy on Monday, the classy Fijian international admitted he would love the opportunity to feature at Origin level again.
Api Koroisau. Getty
“I think every single player that’s eligible wants to play,” Koroisau said.
“It’s one of those things, if they ever did need me again, my hand’s up and ready to go … but that’s a result of how I’m doing at club level.
“I’ll let the footy do the talking and see what happens.”
Koroisau and the high-flying Tigers face another big test in round seven when they take on Brisbane, who are without Reece Walsh, Ben Hunt and Pat Carrigan.
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