Canterbury has won the race to sign Api Koroisau.
The Manly hooker will cut his contract short and jump ship to the Bulldogs ahead of the 2020 NRL season.
Foxsports.com.au revealed a fortnight ago his decision was down to the Bulldogs and Warriors.
On Wednesday, his manager Gian Lombardo told
foxsports.com.au no final decision has been made. But it’s understood the deal is as good as done.
Ultimately the premiership-winning rake opted to remain in Sydney, shunning slightly more money and a chance to move to Auckland.
It’s believed the Sea Eagles are chipping in some of his salary for at least next season, and possibly the following one, given he was contracted to the club until 2021.
He would have been earning close enough to $1 million for the next two seasons on the northern beaches. His three-year Dogs deal will net him close to $1.5 million.
Koroisau played the 2014 grand final with South Sydney, replacing the suspended Issac Luke at hooker for the big dance.
He then went to Penrith for a season in 2015, before moving to Manly in 2016 where he’s played 73 games.
Koroisau has previously been considered on the cusp of State of Origin selection for NSW, but has been plagued by injury in 2019.
Still only 26 years old, Koroisau has been pushed down the No.9 pecking order by Sea Eagles young gun Manase Fainu, who the club extended earlier this year.
Fainu is costing the club less money for the short term, and releasing Koroisau will free up some salary cap space for the retention of Tom and Jake Trbojevic, as well as Dylan Walker.
Canterbury will welcome the addition of a quality specialist hooker.
Fa’amanu Brown hasn’t been offered a new deal, while it’s believed Michael Lichaa could also leave Belmore at season’s end.
On Wednesday, Koroisau spoke to media about being tapped on the shoulder by coach Des Hasler.
“It wasn’t unexpected, but it was something I haven’t experienced before,” Koroisau told AAP.
“It was more like I had a really good student behind me. My protege was playing some unbelievable footy.
“He is an unbelievable player, he is only 21 and out of all the positions in the squad it’s where we have the depth.
“In my mind I had been playing out that scenario. In the end it came true, but it still doesn’t make any easier to take on the chin.
“It is what it is, footy is footy, it’s a business now and you’ve just got to roll with the punches.”
Koroisau’s decision, meantime, could have ramifications for Newcastle hooker Danny Levi.
Foxsports.com.au understands the Warriors and Bulldogs have also expressed interest in Levi, but were waiting on Koroisau’s decision.
With Koroisau headed to Belmore it could push Levi into the Warriors’ arms.
Levi was given permission to leave Newcastle, although the exit of coach Nathan Brown may yet play a role in him staying put in the Hunter.
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