Stefano Utoikamanu on Storm training, Zac Lomax set to take over goalkicking at Eels
Storm recruit Stefano Utoikamanu has opened up on his first week in Melbourne, reveals which players have impressed at training and why he rejected the Bulldogs. See the latest pre-season news.
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It’s only taken a week of pre-season training at his new club for Stefano Utoikamanu to discover first-hand why Melbourne continue to be an NRL powerhouse.
The former Wests Tigers prop has settled in to life at the Storm nicely after his high-profile shift from Concord.
Utoikamanu, at his third NRL club after starting at Parramatta before joining the Tigers, admits pre-season is always hard work but the Storm go about things differently.
“My first wrestle session was probably the hardest one I’ve done, so I think that their pre-season has been pretty tough for my first week, a lot of running,” Utoikamanu told SEN.
“Like I feel like no matter where you are, when I was at Parramatta and I went to the Tigers and now I’m at Storm, I feel like no matter where you are, training is going to be hard.
“Everyone kind of trains a little bit different. And I think here maybe, maybe I think they’re probably a little bit smarter the way they train. And maybe that’s why they are at the top.
“And yeah, I think, yeah, wherever you are, it’s going to be hard. But it’s just interesting to see the changes from what I’ve seen to where I am now.”
Utoikamanu has been blown away by the standard set at training by a couple of Storm players in particular.
“I’ve just been kind of training with the younger boys but one of the fitter forwards is probably Trent Loiero,” he said.
“He killed it in the fitness. And I think he’s probably, a lot of boys like set the standard in their own way. A lot of boys talk, which is a big thing at Melbourne, just communication being clear.
“And yeah, I think he’s probably one who sets the standard for forwards, him and Josh King.”
The move from the Tigers to Melbourne has been pretty smooth for Utoikamanu.
“It’s been a pretty easy transition for me, I think. Like, apart from being away from all my family and stuff, it’s actually been pretty good with all the boys. They have a good group of boys there,” he said.
The 24-year-old also explained his decision to choose Melbourne over Canterbury was about getting out his comfort zone and he’s glad he’s done it.
“Bulldogs is a very good club, and I think they’re going to kill this year, too,” he said.
“But, yeah, out of the two, I just thought I want to be most uncomfortable going to Melbourne where I don’t really have anyone. And, yeah, I think that’s going to put me under a bit of pressure and make me want to work a bit harder.”
The young prop is in awe of coach Craig Bellamy and admits it was intimidating when he first met him.
“Yeah, 100 per cent. Just seeing when you look from the outside in, he’s pretty scary. But once you get to meet him and see how he coaches all the boys and stuff, he’s not too bad.
“He’s still scary but not as scary.”
SUPERCOACH INSIDER
The Storm are always a hot-bed of SuperCoach talent but have a significant disadvantage in 2025 – they have the bye in round 2. This means gun players from last year Jahrome Hughes (most points at halfback), Harry Grant (top average at hooker) and Eliesa Katoa (second most points in second row) are basically untouchable to start the year. But the Storm are one of the first teams to finish their byes (round 15) so load up later in the season, prior to inevitable resting in the final few rounds.
STORM BEST 17
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Will Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17.Nelson Asofa-Solomona
WHAT LOMAX’S ROLE MEANS FOR EELS, MOSES, SUPERCOACHES
—Tyson Jackson
Zac Lomax is the early favourite to take over the goalkicking duties at Parramatta as the Eels consider lightening the load on halfback and potential captain Mitchell Moses.
Kangaroos and NSW Origin winger Lomax has made an immediate impact since arriving at the club’s Kellyville base, fulfilling new Parramatta coach Jason Ryles’ wish for more speed in the backline.
Lomax and Moses both returned to training ahead of schedule, with the latter coming back three weeks early to be part of Ryles’ preparations for the 2025 campaign.
The pair were part of Australia’s Pacific Championships-winning side, having earlier teamed up to guide NSW to an Origin series victory over Queensland.
Lomax, who was named Dally M winger of the year, has revealed he will switch back to left centre with the Eels, who have also recruited Canterbury speedster Josh Addo-Carr.
While the 25-year-old will work on his left-edge combination with Dylan Brown at training, he will also stake his claim for the Eels’ goalkicking duties.
Parramatta have two elite goalkicking options. Lomax has a success rate of 79.8 per cent, while incumbent Moses is a 76 per cent accuracy.
Lomax got the nod over Moses in both Australia and NSW camp.
Sources at the Eels suggest Lomax could be Ryles’ preferred option to start the season but the coach is in no rush to make a call just yet.
Ryles’ goalkicking call could also be a sign that he will entrust Moses with more of a leadership role in 2025, and may look to balance his duties.
It’s not only the backs who are experiencing a shake up, with Ryles’ gruelling pre-season having an effect on their forwards.
Pack leader Junior Paulo will head into round one a lighter, more mobile forward, after already stripping close to 10kg from his frame.
There were question marks around Paulo given Ryles allowed Reagan Campbell-Gillard to leave to the Gold Coast, as he placed a premium on leg speed in Parramatta’s pack.
Ryles has wasted no time in instilling his will on the group, with Paulo’s noticeably more streamlined physique the prime example.
Club insiders believe Paulo could start the season even lighter, with Ryles keen to exploit the 31-year-old’s footwork and supreme ball-handling skills.
The Eels conceded almost 30 points per game in 2024 as they narrowly avoided the wooden spoon.
Ryles identified early, his intention to improve their defence.
Players have revealed how the former Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters assistant coach had simplified their defensive structure, making it easier for players to understand their roles.
Away from the field, the Eels will have some serious ramifications on this year’s NRL SuperCoach competition.
At $773,000, Lomax will start as the second-most expensive CTW in 2025.
However, his anticipated move from the wing to the centres has SuperCoach players wondering whether it will affect his output.
The Parramatta recruit produced a career year at the Dragons and is now the ninth most expensive player overall.
While Lomax is an elite SuperCoach purchase, fellow new recruit Isaiah Iongi is an option for cheapie of the year.
Iongi may well become the most popular cheapie of 2025.
The talented young gun has made the switch from Penrith to Parramatta and is set to start at fullback in place of Clint Gutherson (Dragons).
Milford signs with Brisbane Broncos feeder club
Former Broncos and Dolphins playmaker Anthony Milford has made a last-ditch effort to revive his NRL career, signing with one of Brisbane’s feeder clubs.
Panthers premiership stars party at ex-teammate’s wedding
Following Blues teammate Jake Trbojevic said his nuptials, Roosters enforcer Spencer Leniu tied the knot at a star-studded wedding ceremony. See the pictures.