Penrith coach Ivan Cleary doesn’t want to go as far as saying Api Koroisau is the NRL’s ‘buy of the year’ but almost said as much in his regular Ivan way.

“That is not for me to measure that but I’m pretty happy with him… yeah,” Cleary said.

“He’s a real leader in our team.. he’s been there and done it before so that helps.

“Yet he’s still the cheeky nine-year-old each and every day.”

Koroisau’s attack has been incredible so far this season but it’s another part of the little dummy half’s game that has Cleary excited.

“His defence is something that’s probably been underrated. He defends a bit differently to the other guys in our team which helps.”