'We're putting our eggs into Api's basket': Benji bristles as call to let another young gun leave questioned

Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall bristled at questions about the club's decision to allow rising hooker Tallyn Da Silva to leave the club in favour of keeping veteran and captain Api Koroisau.

As Da Silva's management spoke to rival clubs on Wednesday, Marshall fronted a media conference and explained the club's decision to let the local junior walk.

Both Koroisau and Da Silva are signed until the end of 2026 but the 20-year-old wants to play regular first grade and would rather not be an understudy to Koroisau, 32.

READ MORE: Vandals attack Carlton HQ following horror Blues loss

READ MORE: Cleary magic carries Panthers home in all-time classic

READ MORE: Freddy floats shock suitor as rivals abandon Cobbo race

The club is looking at extending Koroisau for another three years, even though some sections of the football club believe Da Silva is a 10-year first grader. Marshall told 9 News that there's no bad blood between the Tigers and Da Silva.

"He's a really good kid who has a bright future, and I understand the sentiment of, 'You need to try and keep them all', but at the same time we're putting our eggs into Api's basket for the next few years," Marshall said.

The Wests Tigers coach declared Koroisau has been their best player over the past few years, plays 80 minutes each game and believes he can play into his mid-thirties without any drop off in his game.

Allowing Da Silva to leave is a huge risk for Marshall and the Tigers, particularly as he is the second talented junior set to depart this year, following Lachlan Galvin's acrimonious exit.

Tigers CEO Shane Richardson reportedly believes Da Silva has the ability to be a long-term top-liner and wanted to keep him, but Marshall's preference for Koroisau led to the decision to allow the younger rake to walk.

Marshall denied the call to keep Koroisau over Da Silva caused a rift between himself and the CEO, saying the club has executed its plan without division.

Da Silva's management met with the North Queensland Cowboys and Parramatta last weekend. They met with Manly officials this week while Newcastle will also meet his representatives.

Da Silva has been named in the No.14 jersey for Friday's match against the Sea Eagles, while Jarome Luai shifts to No.6, with Latu Fainu the new starting halfback.

Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Both clubs have been in the headlines for issues off the field as Manly deals with coaching issues.

The Tigers are on a five-match losing streak and are looking for a new spark in the halves with Luai moving out to five-eighth.

But Marshall said the premiership winner's game won't change.

"It's just a number change it won't change the way he's playing."