'Not happening': Benji Marshall responds to Cowboys' play for Api Koroisau

Benji Marshall has knocked back a request from the Cowboys to release his star hooker and captain with a year remaining on his contract.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, a Cowboys official contacted the Tigers about signing Api Koriosau to replace the Roosters-bound Reece Robson in 2026.

The Herald reported the Cowboys' logic was releasing Koroisau would free up room in the cap to help re-sign Lachlan Galvin.

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But the Tigers and Marshall were having none of it.

"Why would we let a world-class hooker go 12 months early?," Marshall said.

"We have zero interest [in letting him go], none at all. And that will not be happening while I am the coach.

"Api is our biggest leader in our team, and hence, that's why he's our captain."

Marshall said keeping Koroisau at the club was invaluable in the development of recently re-signed gun Tallyn Da Silva.

"Tallyn is in a fortunate position where he gets to learn off one of the best in the game, develop and take his time," the coach said.

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"Hookers don't generally develop until they are about 24 or 25, so there's no rush for him. What Tallyn will get is the opportunity to build his game, slowly get more minutes, and eventually maybe take over from Api. But that's down the track.

"I want what's best for the club, and what's best for the club is we keep Api."

The Tigers will play the Knights in Newcastle on Sunday.