Stefano Utoikamanu snubs Bulldogs for Storm in shock NRL call

Tigers prop Stefano Utoikamanu has finally made his decision for his next move after drawn out speculation over his future.

Stefano Utoikamanu has quit the Wests Tigers. Picture: NRL Photos

Tigers prop Stefano Utoikamanu has snubbed advances from the Bulldogs to join the Melbourne Storm on a three-year deal beginning in 2025.

Utoikamanu, who announced earlier this week his time at the Tigers could conclude at the end of this season, has put pen to paper on a three-year deal that will keep him at the club until 2027.

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It was largely believed the towering prop would remain in Sydney and link up with Cameron Ciraldo at the rising Bulldogs.

However, the 24-year-old has snubbed the Belmore outfit and opted to join Craig Bellamy’s side instead.

Storm general manager of football, Frank Ponissi said the prop is “an exciting young forward and also an impressive young man.”

“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,” he said.

“We are excited to welcome Stefano and his family to the club.”

Utoikamanu made his Origin debut last year. Picture: Adam Yip

It was widely reported the Bulldogs were the frontrunners to secure the promising prop’s service, with his partner favouring keeping their young family closer to family in Sydney.

Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo said the club were “monitoring the situation” before stating the club would “welcome him with open arms.”

Prop has been the position Canterbury are widely perceived to be lacking in, with Josh Curran, Sam Hughes, Max King and Kurtis Morrin the only recognised props consistently featuring for Ciraldo’s side.

Utoikamanu at work. Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Tom Amone will arrive at the club next year, bolstering their middle forward stocks, but securing Utoikamanu’s signature would have been a major coup for the resurgent Bulldogs, who are one of 2024’s surprise packages.

However, Ciraldo’s side were unable to secure the one-time NSW representative’s services, with the Storm’s offer proving too good to resist for the prop many believe can grow into one of the game’s greatest.

Melbourne has a proven track record of developing fine front rowers, with the likes of Jesse Bromwich, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Christian Welch and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, among others, developing into consistent representative stars in the Victorian capital.

Utoikamanu’s decision to join the Storm brings to an end a contract saga that began back in June, when the prop opted out of his option to remain at the Tigers next season.

Originally published as Stefano Utoikamanu snubs Bulldogs for Storm in shock NRL call