When Stefano Utoikamanu makes a definitive call on his future on Friday, it will trigger a series of events that could result in a prop swap involving up to half a dozen players and as many clubs.
One of them could involve Corey Horsburgh, who has requested a release from Canberra at the end of the season. The Maroons enforcer is contracted to the Raiders until the end of 2027, but is keen for a fresh start. The Raiders are considering the request but haven’t yet decided whether to grant it.
After knocking back a five-year, $4 million offer to remain at Wests Tigers, Utoikamanu will end ongoing speculation over his future by committing to either Canterbury or Melbourne.
Both clubs have tabled three-year deals in the hope of landing the signature of one of the NRL’s most promising front-rowers.
Utoikamanu has been agonising over the decision, one which will have a ripple effect across the game. Several players have been waiting for the 24-year-old to make a call before deciding whether to pursue other options available on the market.
They include Newcastle’s Daniel Saifiti, who has been granted 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, who has made a successful comeback under Wayne Bennett at the Dolphins and is tipped to follow him to South Sydney; and Nelson Asofa-Solomona, who may consider a change of scene if Utoikamanu joins Melbourne.
Wests Tigers prop Stefano Utoikamanu.Credit: Getty Images
Raiders prop Emre Guler had requested a release on compassionate grounds, although he is now likely to remain in the nation’s capital for 2025. That development could prompt the Green Machine to look more favourably on Horsburgh’s request.
Should the Raiders need to go to the market for another big man, they are likely to consider Newcastle’s Leo Thompson when he becomes a free agent on November 1.
However, the first big domino to fall is Utoikamanu.
The 24-year-old has activated a clause that will allow him to leave the Tigers before his contract expires. The last remaining suitors, the Bulldogs and the Storm, have been assured they will be informed of his decision no later than Friday, following a meeting with his manager.
“[Wests Tigers] made him quite a sizable offer, they couldn’t have done any more to retain him,” said Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould on the Six Tackles With Gus podcast.
“Stefano, from what I understand, is looking for a change. He’s been with a struggling club for a number of years and is looking to see what life looks like elsewhere in the competition …
“He’s 24 years of age, he’s nowhere near his prime yet. Probably his apprenticeship in developing hasn’t gone the way he would have liked and it’s hard when you’re in a struggling side, a young side like they are.”
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