Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis will not read into a joke made by Api Koroisau at the club's expense during public grand final celebrations but has sought a 'please explain' from the new recruit's management.
At Penrith's post-grand final fan event at BlueBet Stadium on Monday, three-time premiership winner Koroisau had a cheeky dig at the reigning wooden-spooners, with whom he has signed for the 2023 season.
"To go out on a high like that, it's pretty incredible, and I'll probably do the same thing at the Tigers," Koroisau said, before bursting into laughter.
Hagipantelis and Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe contacted the Fiji international's manager, Giancarlo Lombardo, on Monday night to discuss the jibe.
"The matter has been dealt with and dealt with privately," Hagipantelis told SEN.
The Tigers have shrugged off the comments as they prepare for Koroisau's arrival at the conclusion of Fiji's Rugby League World Cup campaign.
"As I understand it, Api is a thoroughly decent fellow and presents as such. I'm sure if he had his time again he might rethink those comments," Hagipantelis said.
"It was on the spur of the moment, emotions play a large part and perhaps some alcohol as well.
"We're not going to put a lot of stock into it and we're very keen on welcoming him to the club."
Second-rower Isaiah Papali'i will also link up with the Tigers now that his commitments with runners-up Parramatta have been fulfilled.
For months Papali'i has been coy about honouring the contract he signed before the 2022 season began, insisting he would leave decisions about his future until after the Eels' campaign ended.
But Hagipantelis said the club never had any doubt the New Zealand representative would arrive at Concord for pre-season.
"This is a storm in a teacup and has been for quite some time," he said.
"We are contractually bound to Isaiah, he is contractually bound to the Wests Tigers.
"There has never been any suggestion from either side that they were not going to fulfil their contractual obligations.
"We received assurances that Isaiah will be joining the club as soon as his World Cup obligations are complete."
It comes as Penrith's James Fisher-Harris elaborated on his claims that, "Parra are our sons ... that's just a fact".
"I'm cool with the (Eels) players and the area is not bad," he wrote on social media.
"Just trying to keep the rivalry alive! I hold the upmost (sic) respect for those players gone before me/us, so don't get it twisted."
