Two-time NRL premiership-winner Apisai Koroisau is now eligible to play this season after receiving two COVID-19 vaccination doses, as the Panthers lock their eyes on back-to-back grand final triumphs.
Koroisau, who missed last year’s grand final parade due to his vaccination status, was one of the last remaining players in the league wary of getting the jab.
But Sydney Morning Herald sports journalist Adam Pengilly reports the NSW State of Origin representative will be free to play in the opening round.
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It’s believed Koroisau was never an anti-vaxxer but was slow to receive his vaccinations as COVID-19 ran through Penrith’s squad over summer.
Koroisau will join Wests Tigers on a two-year deal from 2023 and must be hoping to depart the Panthers with another premiership ring in his keeping.
The crafty hooker won his first title with South Sydney in 2014 and was a member of the Panthers side that defeated his former club in last year’s decider.
There’s a genuine possibility that the 29-year-old Koroisau only has three seasons in the NRL remaining.
However, he has firm post-footy plans.
“I think I want to get into coaching,” Koroisau told Sydney’s 9News.
“The ability to sort of help young players (interests me).
“And, also, there’s the tactics side of footy. I love the tactics side and the strategies.”
The Panthers will open their campaign against the Sea Eagles in Penrith on March 10, the NRL’s first fixture of the season.
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