Eels rookie Stefano Utoikamanu to be the most watched player at NRL Nines
Rugby league’s most hyped teenager talks Parramatta, playing NRL and being named a potential NSW Origin bolter.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Explosive Parramatta rookie Stefano Utoikamanu has no regrets about being asked to see out the final year of his Eels contract, saying: “I’m just grateful to still be welcome at this club”.
Already ranked among the game’s most exciting prospects for 2020, 19-year-old ‘Fano’ now looms as the player every footy fan will be tuning in to see when the NRL Nines tournament kicks off in Perth on Friday.
Apart from being hyped as a potential NSW Origin bolter -- before even playing a minute of first grade -- the 115kg prop is also part of a red hot Eels outfit favoured to win the Nines title.
While Utoikamanu has signed a three-year deal with Wests Tigers from 2021, the tearaway New Zealander is now firming to play a big role with the Eels this year, especially after being upgraded to the NRL squad by head coach Brad Arthur.
Watch the 2020 NRL Nines tournament LIVE & On-Demand on KAYO. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
While Tigers coach Michael Maguire was keen to get the NSW U/20s player this year, Eels officials insisted he see out the deal.
Quizzed on what has been a hyped few weeks, the rising star told The Daily Telegraph he has was not only happy to have his future sorted, but grateful Arthur was willing to still give him a shot at the NRL.
Asked about the Eels coach upgrading him to the top squad , even after the rookie revealed he was leaving from next year, he said: “It was a bit surprising, but I’m real happy to be staying here this year.
“Just grateful to still be welcome at this club.
“And now with everything sorted, I can just focus on doing whatever is needed to play consistent first grade here at Parramatta.
“I haven’t really looked too much further than that.
“I’ve just put my head down and tried to work hard. I’ve got a lot of work to do, not only to improve my game but make sure I’m bringing something to the team this year.
“So that’s my focus, working on what I can bring to the Eels.”
Elsewhere, Utoikamanu also described as “crazy” Blues coach Brad Fittler naming him a potential Origin bolter.
“Never expected anything like that,” he said. “For Freddy to be comparing me with guys who have already achieved so much in the game – guys who are way ahead of where I’m at – it’s a privilege just to have those comparisons made.
“Coming through the NSW Pathways, I did a lot with Freddy before he went to coach the Origin team. He’s already taught me a lot.”
Apart from being $5.50 TAB favourites to take out the Nines, Parramatta have also been voted the team to beat by all 16 rival skippers – 10 of whom voted the Eels as the team they feared most.
Add to this to the raft of headlines around Utoikamanu, and the teen suddenly becomes must- watch viewing for fans of not only the Eels, Wests Tigers and Blues, but also every rival club tasked with trying to stop him.
Asked about his role for the Eels in the Nines tournament, the young forward added: “It’s exciting because I’ve never been involved in anything like this before.
“Brad has just told me to play a similar role to what I would in 13-a-side footy, just take the tough carries and run hard.
“We’ve got a good mix of boys here this weekend and I think we’ll have a pretty good shot at winning it.”