AAP Rugby

Stefano Utoikamanu to leave Wests Tigers

By AAP Newswire

Jul 29, 2024

Wantaway prop Stefano Utoikamanu has informed Wests Tigers he will quit the NRL club at the end of the 2024 season.

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Utoikamanu's contract stand-off has rumbled throughout the year with the one-time NSW State of Origin forward telling the Tigers on Monday he won't agree to new terms.

The front-rower has been linked with moves to both Canterbury and Melbourne and was offered a five-year deal by the Tigers to remain at the club.

Stefano Utoikamanu has knocked back a five-year deal offered by the Wests Tigers. (Andrew Cornaga/AAP PHOTOS)

Utoikamanu only came onto the open market because of a clause inserted into his last deal by the Tigers' previous administration.

If he failed to make the NSW team or the Tigers missed the top eight, he would be free to explore his options.

Utoikamanu was overlooked by the Blues for all three games of the series and Benji Marshall's side are bottom of the NRL ladder and on track for a third-straight wooden spoon.

The exit of the 24-year-old leaves the Tigers short of high-quality forwards for 2025, with Isaiah Papali'i set to join Penrith and the future of English second-rower John Bateman under a cloud after he was loaned to Super League club Warrington.

"Wests Tigers wish Stefano and his family the very best with their future endeavours," the club said in a statement.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press