In a bold move to secure their future, the Wests Tigers have offered a $4 million, five-year deal to their young prop sensation, Stefano Utoikamanu. This lucrative extension aims to make Utoikamanu one of the highest-paid players at the club and solidify his role as a cornerstone of the team’s forward pack.
The 23-year-old Utoikamanu, currently off-contract at the end of the 2025 season, holds a clause that could allow him to leave the club at the end of this year. This clause, however, would be negated if he plays in two State of Origin games this year or if the Tigers finish in the top eight.
Aware of the rising interest from other NRL clubs, including the Penrith Panthers, the Tigers have moved swiftly to secure Utoikamanu’s services. The decision comes after reports of rival teams engaging in discussions with his management, prompting the Tigers to act decisively and present a deal that could keep him at Concord until at least the end of 2029.
The proposed deal would see Utoikamanu earning approximately $800,000 per year, placing him among the better-compensated forwards in the league, though still below the top earners like Tino Fa’asuamaleaui of the Gold Coast Titans and Payne Haas of the Brisbane Broncos, who each make around $1.2 million annually. If Utoikamanu accepts the deal, he would join an elite group of well-paid forwards, such as David Fifita, Addin Fonua-Blake, Harry Grant, James Fisher-Harris, Cameron Murray, Junior Paulo, Luciano Leilua, Jeremiah Nanai, and Haumole Olakau’atu.
Under the new coaching regime of Benji Marshall, the Tigers are undergoing a significant squad overhaul, especially after back-to-back wooden spoons. Despite their recent struggles, the Tigers have substantial financial flexibility, even after signing Jarome Luai for over a million dollars per season starting in 2025 and maintaining Apisai Koroisau’s big-money contract.
The Tigers are eager for a swift decision from Utoikamanu to begin their 2025 planning, though he may hold off until after the selection for Origin 2 to explore his market value. Utoikamanu’s potential delay is understandable, considering the team’s recent performance and his desire to weigh his options.
As the Tigers aim to rebuild and return to competitiveness, securing a young talent like Utoikamanu could be a pivotal step. The proposed $4 million deal not only reflects the club’s commitment to retaining their emerging stars but also their ambition to rise in the NRL ranks. The coming weeks will reveal whether Utoikamanu sees his future with the Tigers or if he will explore other opportunities in the league.
