Api Koroisau hit with monster ban that cruels NSW selection hopes after awkward tackle in drought-breaking win

If Api Koroisau was surprised to be sent to the bin in the Tigers' 33-14 win over the Raiders on Thursday, he'll have likely passed out when charged on Friday morning, with the gun hooker facing three weeks on the sideline.

Koroisau was sent for 10 midway through the first half for dangerous contact after a tackle on Raiders forward Noah Martin.

Martin's foot and knee were both caught under Koroisau, and there was immediate concern for the man in green, who punched the ground in frustration and pain.

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In commentary for Nine, Brad Fittler was first to spot a problem for the Tigers hooker, before Paul Gallen agreed it was accidental but a sin-bin was coming.

"He's come down on his calves," Fittler said.

Indeed, referee Ashley Klein then made the call, which prompted a shocked reaction.

On Friday morning, Koroisau was slapped with a grade two dangerous contact charge and offered a three match ban. He'll get an extra week off if he fights the charge at the judiciary and loses.

The charge carries extra weighting as a third and subsequent charge for the same offence.

It looms as a huge blow to both the Tigers and NSW Blues, with Koroisau unlikely to be picked for Origin after missing the weeks leading up to selection for game one. He had been considered a leading contender to wear the No.9 for the Blues after an outstanding start to 2026.

Koroisau wasn't the only player charged from the opening game of Anzac Round. Raiders firebrand Corey Horsburgh was charged with a grade one careless high tackle for a hit on Sione Fainu early in the second half. Fonua Pole was also hit with a grade one shoulder charge for a second-half hit on Jed Stuart. Both players were only fined.

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When Koroisau was binned, the Tigers were leading 10-0 after tries to Luke Laulilii and Adam Doueihi. His departure kicked the Raiders into gear with Matthew Timoko and Kaeo Weekes all scoring in his absence to make it a 12-10 lead for the Green Machine.

Koroisau's departure sparked the Raiders into gear with Matthew Timoko and Kaeo Weekes all scoring in his absence to make it a 12-10 lead for the Green Machine.

During this period the Raiders also welcomed back Ethan Strange who had left the field earlier with an ankle injury.

Strange had originally tried to come off before the Tigers scored their first try. Nine's Danika Mason reported Strange had his ankle strapped when the match started.

The five-eighth returned with nine minutes left in the half with a penalty goal coming before half-time to give Canberra a 14-10 lead.

"That first half was a game of two halves, the first 20 minutes completing dominated by the home side ... and then in one moment the Raiders got a sniff and came back with 14 of their own," Phil Gould surmised.

A new-look Tigers were seen laughing at half-time in the sheds and their calmness was on show following the break.

The Raiders did not put on a point, losing 33-14.