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Api Koroisau’s suspension has hurt his Origin chances, while injuries and bans deepen Brisbane’s selection challenges.
Api Koroisau's hopes of a State of Origin recall have been dented after the Wests Tigers co-captain accepted a three-match suspension, while Brisbane's Preston Riki will also spend time on the sidelines following a ban.
Koroisau had pushed himself back into contention for the NSW No.9 jersey with strong early-season form, competing with Blayke Brailey and Reece Robson for selection. However, the suspension leaves him unlikely to play again before the Origin squad is named.
The hooker was sin-binned during the Tigers' win over Canberra for a hip-drop tackle on Noah Martin and was subsequently charged by the Match Review Committee. With prior offences on his record this season, Koroisau accepted a three-game ban, ruling him out until Round 13 due to the club's Round 12 bye.
His absence is a setback for the Tigers, who will be without their co-captain for fixtures against Cronulla, Melbourne and Manly. Tristan Hope is expected to step in at dummy-half, beginning with the upcoming clash against the Sharks.
Coach Benji Marshall questioned the consistency of officiating after the match, suggesting the interpretation of the tackle laws remains unclear. He indicated the decision was harsh given the nature of the defensive situation.
At Brisbane, Riki has accepted a one-game suspension for a high tackle in the Broncos' win over the Bulldogs. His absence compounds a growing list of unavailable players at the club.
Second-rower Brendan Piakura is also expected to miss around four weeks with a knee injury, reportedly involving a less common ligament issue. The Broncos were already without several key players in their most recent outing, including Payne Haas, Reece Walsh, Ben Hunt, Patrick Carrigan, Corey Jensen, Grant Anderson and Jesse Arthars, though Carrigan and Walsh are expected to return this week.
The latest suspensions and injuries add pressure to both clubs, with representative selection and squad depth emerging as key concerns in the lead-up to Origin.
