By Adrian Proszenko and Christian Nicolussi
Stefano Utoikamanu has ended speculation over his future by committing to the Melbourne Storm.
After knocking back a five-year, $4 million offer to remain at Wests Tigers, Utoikamanu whittled down his options to the Bulldogs and the Storm. The in-demand prop has agonised over the decision after both tabled three-year deals on terms less lucrative than those offered by the Tigers.
Ultimately, the lure of being coached by Craig Bellamy proved irresistible, and Utoikamanu opted to head south.
The Bulldogs only joined the race for his signature late in the piece after hearing that Utoikamanu had concerns about relocating his young family away from their support network in Sydney. The “Family Club” felt he could offer their pack, which has punched well above its weight in 2024, a point of difference for next season.
Instead, he will go from the last-placed club to the one currently sitting atop the ladder two wins clear of their rivals heading into Women In League round.
“Stefano is an exciting young forward and also an impressive young man,” the Storm’s general manager of football, Frank Ponissi, said today.
Stefano Utoikamanu taking on the Cowboys on Thursday.Credit: NRL Photos
“I’m sure he’s going to come with a working hard attitude and be ready for a big pre-season when he joins us later this year. We are excited to welcome Stefano and his family to the Club.”
Speaking after Friday night’s loss to the Cowboys, Utoikamanu said a major consideration was where he could best develop his game.
“It’s less about winning a comp and more about me getting to a new club and developing as a player,” he said. “I know I’ve developed a fair bit here, but I feel like I have a lot more to give.
“Wherever I go next, I know that I’m going there as a fresh face – I think change is going to be good for me.”
Utoikamanu’s move is expected to trigger a ripple effect across the NRL. Several clubs have been waiting for the one-game NSW forward to make a call before deciding whether to pursue other options available on the market.
They include Corey Horsburgh, who has requested a release from Canberra; Newcastle has granted Daniel Saifiti permission to explore his options; Cronulla’s Royce Hunt, who may wish to seek better opportunities due to the impending arrival of Addin Fonua-Blake; Tevita Pangai Junior has made a successful comeback under Wayne Bennett at the Dolphins and is tipped to follow him to South Sydney; and Nelson Asofa-Solomona, whose tenure at Melbourne has been a source of speculation for months.
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