‘He does want to have a look around’: Stefano Utoikamanu given permission to test the market, Tigers hopeful he’ll stay put

Stefano Utoikamanu’s time at the Wests Tigers could be coming to an end, with the club granting him permission to test his value on the open market.

Stefano Utoikamanu’s days at the Wests Tigers could be numbered after the club gave him permission to negotiate with rival clubs. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

The Wests Tigers have given star prop forward Stefano Utoikamanu permission to test his value on the open market, but the club “remains hopeful” it can convince their enforcer to extend his stay at the joint venture.

Utoikamanu has an option to remain at the Tigers in 2025, but that’s based on clauses that include the club making the finals and him playing two State of Origin matches for the Blues in 2024 having made his NSW debut last year.

The second part of the equation is already out of the question after he missed out on selection for game 2, while the Tigers are highly unlikely to finish in the top eight despite a couple of terrific wins in recent weeks.

The Tigers have reportedly offered the 24-year-old a five-year deal worth roughly $4m, with Utoikamanu now set to test himself on the open market amid a host of premiership contenders desperate to sign someone of his calibre given how valuable props have become.

Stefano Utoikamanu made his debut for the Blues last year. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

“We’ve sat down with Stefano, his partner Chiara, and his management, and we all want what’s best for him and his family,” Wests Tigers chief executive Shane 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 have made it clear how much they want Utoikamanu to stay, with teammates praising him throughout the season, while rookie coach Benji Marshall described him as one of the top three props in the game.

Utoikamanu has been the Tigers’ best forward this year. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

“We love Stef, and we’ve made it really clear with him that he’s a big part of our future,” Marshall said back in April.

“He’s definitely in the top two or three front-rowers in the game at the moment, and from the club’s point of view, we see him as a long-term prospect for us. We’ve expressed that to him.”

The Panthers could be one club that goes after him as they look to replace James Fisher-Harris, while the Storm has also been mentioned as a possible suitor.

Wednesday’s decision will give both the club and the player time to plan for 2025, with the Tigers set to have cash to splash if Utoikamanu decides to leave.