St George Illawarra Dragons have set their sights on securing Wests Tigers prop Stefano Utoikamanu, signaling their intention with a proposed five-year deal worth $4.5 million. This substantial offer underscores the Dragons’ commitment to bolstering their forward pack and their desire to attract top-tier talent.
Discussions between the Dragons and Utoikamanu commenced this week, with the club eager to present their long-term vision and convince the former NSW Origin representative of their ambitious plans. This development comes in the wake of the Tigers granting Utoikamanu permission to explore opportunities with rival clubs.
According to sources, the Tigers have already tabled a five-year offer valued at $4 million, approximately $100,000 less per season than what the Dragons are willing to invest. A Dragons official confirmed the club’s keen interest in Utoikamanu when contacted on Friday.
The Canberra Raiders have also entered the race for Utoikamanu’s signature, preparing for the eventual departure of veteran Josh Papalii. Like the Dragons, the Raiders are prepared to offer $900,000 per season, surpassing the Tigers’ bid. Sources indicate that the Raiders are making a strong case to lure Utoikamanu to the nation’s capital.
Additionally, the Melbourne Storm are closely monitoring the situation and are poised to make their own play for the talented 24-year-old prop. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are exploring other options and are not inclined to allocate top-tier salary cap space for a front-rower at this time.
A unique clause in Utoikamanu’s contract has created a window of opportunity for these rival clubs. If he did not play in two State of Origin games this year or if the Tigers missed the top eight, he would become a free agent. With Utoikamanu not being selected for the first two Origin matches and the Tigers’ finals hopes dim, he is now free to negotiate.
Utoikamanu opted not to accept the Tigers’ extension offer and recently met with CEO Shane Richardson and coach Benji Marshall to express his intent to explore the market. This led to immediate discussions between the Dragons and his management team.
Despite his appreciation for life under Marshall, Utoikamanu harbors ambitions of playing finals football, a goal he feels may be more attainable with a new club. While the Tigers continue to assert their future potential, their offer of approximately $800,000 per year falls short of the previous figure suggested by former CEO Justin Pascoe, who indicated a willingness to spend up to $900,000 to retain the prop.
As the race for Utoikamanu heats up, it remains to be seen which club will secure the services of one of the most sought-after talents in the NRL. The Dragons, Raiders, and Storm are all keen to make a compelling case, with the Dragons currently leading the charge with their lucrative offer.