A stipulation in his contract allows him to depart the club at the conclusion of 2024 if he chooses to do so. The Wests Tigers have engaged in discussions with Stefano Utoikamanu’s representative, Daniel O’Loughlin, regarding the prop’s future. Despite being under contract until the end of 2025, Utoiakamanu can opt to leave if the Tigers fail to reach the finals this year.
The team has shown improvement early in the 2024 season under new coach Benji Marshall, but their finals prospects are uncertain. Utoikamanu, expected to seek a significant salary increase in his next contract, would likely attract interest from other clubs if he decides to move on.
However, the Tigers are reportedly eager to secure a long-term deal with him. CEO Shane Richardson, who met with Utoikamanu’s manager, has emphasized the club’s commitment to retaining the forward. Despite previous links to the Penrith Panthers, Utoikamanu has expressed a desire to stay with the Tigers, seeking success and a stable environment, which the club appears to have established under new leadership.
The Tigers see Utoikamanu as a cornerstone of their forward pack, as he begins to fulfill his potential in the NRL. There is no specified timeline for Utoikamanu to make a decision about his future.
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