Api Koroisau

The announcement was made at Wests Tigers official season launch on the waterfront at Iron Cove, where more than 300 VIP guests had the chance to mingle with their team.

The three-time NRL premiership-winner has enjoyed his first few months at his new club and is thrilled to become the team’s leader.

“To be asked to lead this team in my first year at the club, means a lot,” said Koroisau.

"From the moment I joined this club, my family and I have been made to feel so welcome.

Koroisau has been fined $15,000 by the NSWRL, which announced the sanctions on Wednesday afternoon, on top of the $35,000 fine and two-game suspension already issued by the NRL.

If selected again, Koroisau will need to convince the Blues board "he has earned the right to be once again trusted to uphold all of the standards, protocols and values of NSWRL".

Blues coach Brad Fittler recently said Koroisau would not necessarily have a line drawn through his name at the selection table in future.