Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall was visibly irritated when questioned about the club’s choice to permit promising hooker Tallyn Da Silva to depart in favour of retaining veteran captain Api Koroisau.
As Da Silva’s management engaged with rival teams on Wednesday, Marshall addressed a media conference to clarify the rationale behind the club’s decision to let the local junior move on.
Both Koroisau and Da Silva have contracts that extend until the end of 2026, but the 20-year-old is eager to secure regular first-grade playtime and is hesitant to continue as an understudy to Koroisau, who is 32.
The club is contemplating an extension for Koroisau that would see him remain for another three years, despite some in the club believing Da Silva possesses the potential to be a first-grade player for a decade. Marshall informed 9 News that there is no animosity between the Tigers and Da Silva.
“He’s a genuinely good kid with a bright future ahead of him. I appreciate the sentiment of wanting to keep all our talent, but the reality is that we’re investing in Api’s capabilities for the coming years,” Marshall stated.
The Wests Tigers coach asserted that Koroisau has been their standout player in recent seasons, capable of playing the full 80 minutes each match, and is confident he can maintain his performance well into his mid-thirties.

Tallyn Da Silva and Api Koroisau Getty
Granting Da Silva the opportunity to leave represents a considerable gamble for Marshall and the Tigers, particularly as he becomes the second promising junior to depart this year, following Lachlan Galvin’s tumultuous exit.
Reports suggest that Tigers CEO Shane Richardson believes Da Silva has the potential to be a long-term asset and wished to retain him, but Marshall’s preference for Koroisau ultimately influenced the choice to let the younger player go.
Marshall refuted claims that the decision to prioritise Koroisau over Da Silva created a divide between him and the CEO, insisting that the club has followed its strategy without conflict.
Da Silva’s management recently had discussions with the North Queensland Cowboys and Parramatta, and they met with Manly officials this week, with Newcastle also set to speak with his representatives.
Da Silva has been named in the No.14 jersey for Friday’s clash against the Sea Eagles, while Jarome Luai moves to No.6, with Latu Fainu stepping in as the starting halfback.
Both teams have been in the spotlight due to off-field concerns, with Manly grappling with coaching challenges.
The Tigers are currently on a five-match losing streak and are searching for new momentum in the halves with Luai’s shift to five-eighth.
However, Marshall maintains that the premiership winner’s approach to the game will remain unchanged.
“It’s simply a change of jersey number; it won’t alter how he performs,” he remarked.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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