NRL 2024: Underrated Wests Tigers forward Fonua Pole upstaging Stefano Utoikamanu

As Wests Tigers fight tooth and nail to retain Stefano Utoikamanu, another soon-to-be off-contract forward should be at the top of their retention list. Every Tigers’ contract situation.

Wests Tigers may be fighting tooth and nail to keep Stefano Utoikamanu but there’s another off-contract player who is worth throwing the cash at.

Young forward Fonua Pole will take the field for his 50th NRL game on Friday and has quickly emerged as a fan favourite for his runs off the Leichhardt Oval back fence.

The 22-year-old has been one of the Tigers’ most consistent big men this year. He has led the pack with 1596 run metres this season.

It’s the second most in the entire team, while his four tries is the third-highest tally of any Tiger and the most of any ­current lock in the competition.

Pole is emerging as one of the Tigers’ most seasoned players and even though this is only his third season, he is already eyeing off a leadership role in a youthful squad.

“I always think about it,” Pole said. “I hope that I can be that player to lead, especially those young forwards coming through our team.”

Pole has set his heart on being part of the club’s rebuild.

He grew up knowing only success as a Melbourne Storm fan who had a dream to don the purple and gold jersey but the Victorian said his aspirations had changed.

Like Utoikamanu, Pole is signed until the end of the 2025 season.

Fonua Pole has been one of the Tigers’ best in 2024. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Unlike Utoikamanu, who is currently testing his value on the open market and has fielded strong interest from the Storm, Pole openly wants to be part of the Tigers’ long-term plans.

“If the Tigers want me here, I’d be glad to be here,” Pole said.

“I’d love to be a part of the turnaround of this club. I love it here.”

While the admiration for Pole has largely come from the Tigers faithful, his work hasn’t gone unnoticed by the players, including young gun Lachie Galvin.

The face of the Tigers’ next generation even boldly predicted that Pole could develop into one of the best middles in the competition.

“He has played really well the last couple of weeks and I think in the next couple of years he can really be one of the best in the game,” Galvin said.

“I love being on his side because if I had him running at me, I wouldn’t really like to be in front of him.

“I’m also very glad he takes those tough carries for me.

“I have no interest doing that.”