NRL 2024: Wests Tigers star Stefano Utoikamanu given permission to negotiate with rivals | Market Watch
Stefano Utoikamanu is set to spark a bidding scramble from some of the NRL’s biggest clubs after the Wests Tigers gave the star prop forward permission to explore the open market.
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Stefano Utoikamanu is set to spark a scramble for his services involving some of the biggest clubs in the NRL after the Wests Tigers granted their young front rower permission to test the open market in a bid to resolve his future
Utoikamanu met Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson and head coach Benji Marshall on Wednesday afternoon at the club’s Centre of Excellence as they launched their latest bid to convince the 24-year-old to take up a $4 million contract extension.
While Utoikamanu has not ruled out staying at the Tigers beyond this season, he and his partner Chiara expressed their desire to explore their options elsewhere.
Under the terms of his contract with the Tigers, Utoikamanu was free to leave at the end of the season if he failed to play two State of Origin games and the club missed the finals.
When Utoikamanu was overlooked for the opening two Origin games, the Tigers’ last hope of clinging on to their powerful prop hinged on the club finishing in the top eight.
Rather than wait until they were mathematically out of finals contention, the Tigers opted to let Utoikamanu test the market now as they searched for some clarity heading into next season.
“We’ve sat down with Stefano, his partner Chiara, and his management, and we all want what’s best for him and his family,” Richardson said.
“Stefano has given us no indication that he wants to leave, but he does want to have a look around, and we are totally comfortable with that.”
The Tigers haven’t given up hope of keeping Utoikamanu – they have offered him a five-year extension worth $800,000 a season – and it is understood he indicated during talks with Richardson and Marshall that he was open to staying.
However, his manager Daniel O’Loughlin is expected to be inundated with interest from rival clubs in coming weeks given Utoikamanu is only 24 and already regarded as one of the NRL’s elite front rower.
Crucially, it is understood that Utoikamanu has his heart set on playing for a club that can compete for a premiership, having spent the past four years at the Tigers batting to avoid the wooden spoon.
The Tigers will need to fend off some heavyweights to hold onto their man. Perennial contenders Melbourne are believed to be among the clubs circling, although it is understood they would need to move some pieces to accommodate Utoikamanu in their salary cap.
The Tigers have been monitoring Storm forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona as a contingency plan in case Utoikamanu departs, although it is understood he has indicated he wants to stay in Melbourne and fight for his future.
Canberra are expected to launch a big play for Utoikamanu but their cause wasn’t helped at the weekend when they were thrashed by the Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium.
Like Melbourne, Penrith may have salary cap limitations although they could free up some money if they can shed centre Taylan May, who has been stood down after being charged with domestic violence charges.
The Dolphins are also in the market for front row reinforcements as they deal with uncertainty over the future of Tom Flegler and prepare for the retirement of Jesse Bromwich.
The Bulldogs and Dragons also shape as contenders for Utoikamanu’s services and both clubs have improved their chances in recent weeks as they string together some impressive performances and push for finals football.
The Tigers, however, won’t give up without a fight. The club believes it is heading in the right direction under Richardson and Marshall, and the past fortnight has shown there are some green shoots coming through at the club.
They hope to have the saga resolved in a matter of weeks and are ready to fight tooth and nail to keep him.
Originally published as NRL 2024: Wests Tigers star Stefano Utoikamanu given permission to negotiate with rivals | Market Watch
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