Stefano Utoikamanu earns praise from Wests Tigers boss for sticking with Parramatta Eels this season before switching clubs
Wests Tigers boss Justin Pascoe has praised young gun Stefano Utoikamanu for remaining committed to the Eels and not spitting the dummy after being refused an early release to head to Leichhardt.
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Wests Tigers boss Justin Pascoe has praised young gun Stefano Utoikamanu for remaining committed to the Eels, declaring “they are the sort of people we’re looking for”.
Utoikamanu dominated off-season headlines when he became the latest player caught up in the developing rivalry between the Tigers and Parramatta.
The boom prop inked a rich three-year deal to join the Tigers from Parramatta in 2021 and also asked for an immediate release.
Despite the Eels refusing to grant the Australian Schoolboy star an early exit, Pascoe praised the incoming prop for fulfilling his contractual obligations and not spitting the dummy.
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“I’m not there but by all reports he was an outstanding trainer through the pre-season,” Pascoe said. “He has been continuing that on throughout the year.
“That’s just a credit to his family and how he has been brought up and his work ethic. They are the sort of people we’re looking for to make sure this club goes to the next level.
“The players are excited to welcome him. The fans are going to be buoyed by his arrival. It’s a real positive. It’s another great sign for the club that we are able to attract such a young and talented player.
“It’s an awesome signing. He is a young, hard-running, a big body, skilful front-rower. He is going to add to what is already a really powerful and always improving pack.
“Every club wants good players and talented individuals as quick as possible. The reality is he had a contract with Parramatta. They had every right to retain him and that’s what happened.”
The Tigers released Ryan Matterson after just one season to join the Eels this year with the messy exit dominating headlines ahead of Thursday’s match.
Tigers fans will get a first-hand look at Utoikamanu after he was named to face his future club on Thursday night. To the Eels credit despite Utoikamanu heading for the exit, they rewarded him with a first grade debut two weeks ago.
Utoikamanu said the decision to quit the Eels “was probably the hardest decision I‘ve had to make in my life”.
“But I have to do what is best for me and my family,” he said.
“I stayed here and put my head down and worked hard to try and debut this year. I‘m grateful that Brad (Arthur) gave me the opportunity.
“Hopefully I get a bit more game time and do a job for us and hopefully stay in the team.”
Utoikamanu made headlines even if his debut against Newcastle two weeks ago lasted just 10 seconds. The 20-year-old breached COVID protocols after he hugged family and friends after the match.
“Everything just kind of went out of my head,” Utoikamanu said.
“I just ran up to my family, I was happy to see them. It was not the best decision I have made. Everyone just celebrated my first game and got me all those necklaces and stuff to show how much they love me.
“I thought maybe I might be out for two weeks or I didn’t even know how long. It was scary.”
Utoikamanu was cleared to play Manly last week where he played 10 minutes.
Originally published as Stefano Utoikamanu earns praise from Wests Tigers boss for sticking with Parramatta Eels this season before switching clubs