Blues coach Michael Maguire’s key meeting with Wests Tigers star ahead of contract call

A recent private meeting with new Blues coach Michael Maguire could have huge ramifications on the NRL future of Wests Tigers star front-rower Stefano Utoikamanu.

Wests Tigers star Stefano Utoikamanu has opened up about a crucial State of Origin meeting with the man that could hold the fate of his NRL future in his hands.

Utoikamanu last week met with new NSW coach Michael Maguire to gain further insight into his Origin plans in the post-Brad Fittler era.

It is the first time the Tigers front-rower has caught up with the former Tigers coach he was surprisingly omitted from a 36-man squad that gathered for camp in February.

“He gave me a call back when I didn’t get picked in that 30 or 40 or whatever. It was a bit disappointing at the time, but I understood where he was coming from,” Utoikamanu said.

“I just want to show him that I’m ready for it and I have to be in that team.

“I also had a meeting with him last week just to bring me (in) on what the whole Blues thing is going to be about because there’s new coaches and new people in there.”

While Origin I is still two months away, Utoikamanu’s potential inclusion will have enormous ramifications on his playing future.

Stefano Utoikamanu at Blues training last year. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Contracted until the end of next season, the 23-year-old has a clause in his deal that allows him to leave Concord should the Tigers miss the finals in both 2023 and 2024.

However that will be void should he plays two Origin games by the end of the year.

Utoikamanu made his NSW debut when he came off the bench for 13 minutes in Game II last year, only to be left out by Fittler for their dead rubber win.

It means Maguire, who coached Utoikamanu for almost two years at the Tigers before being axed midway through 2022, could end any uncertainty over the prop’s future next month.

Tellingly, Tigers coach Benji Marshall publicly urged his starting front-rower to be aiming for Origin honours immediately after last week’s win over Parramatta.

“I’m not too worried about my contract. My manager will handle that,” Utoikamanu said.

“All I’m focused on is playing my best footy. I definitely want to be in the Origin team this year. I want to see our club be at the top where it should be.”

With Payne Haas all but certain to be selected if fit, Utoikamanu will be vying with the likes of Junior Paulo, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, and Daniel and Jacob Saifiti for front-row spots.

Veteran middle Jake Trbojevic also played in Game III last year.

Utoikamanu has a get-out clause in his Tigers contract. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Utoikamanu admitted he wasn’t ready for the Origin cauldron last year, but is determined to enhance his selection claims with winning form at club level this season.

And the Samoan international has delivered over the opening four rounds, with his 15 tackle busts the most of all the NSW prop contenders.

He is also averaging 30 tackles in 56 minutes, only lower than Trbojevic and Haas.

“I felt like last year, it’s hard to come into Origin footy when your team’s not going the best … in Origin footy you’ve got to be ready. I felt like I was probably not ready mentally,” he said.

“I felt like physically I was ready for it, but mentally I wasn’t.

“I know this time around, I definitely want to win more games this year. That’s only going to give me more confidence every week to be the best player I can be.”

Originally published as Blues coach Michael Maguire’s key meeting with Wests Tigers star ahead of contract call