Stefano Utoikamanu’s Transfer RumorsStefano Utoikamanu’s Transfer Rumors According to The Daily Telegraph, the Dragons have withdrawn from the race to sign Tigers prop Stefano Utoikamanu due to salary cap constraints. The Storm and Raiders are reportedly set to meet with the 24-year-old for potential contract offers. Despite the interest, the Tigers remain hopeful of retaining Utoikamanu. They have offered him a five-year, $5 million extension. However, Utoikamanu reportedly prefers to join a title-contending side, making the Storm an attractive option. Melbourne has a shortage of middle forwards and could accommodate Utoikamanu by adjusting their salary cap. If they lose Utoikamanu, the Tigers have expressed interest in Nelson Asofa-Solomona of the Storm. The Raiders are also reportedly willing to offer Utoikamanu a $1 million-per-season contract to replace the retiring Josh Papalii. However, the Bulldogs are monitoring the situation but are unlikely to engage in a bidding war. Phil Gould has already secured Tom Amone for the Bulldogs in 2025, while the Dolphins are keeping an eye on Utoikamanu’s availability as they prepare for the departure of Jesse Bromwich.
The Dragons have reportedly pulled out of the race to recruit Tigers enforcer Stefano Utoikamanu after an assessment of their salary cap position.
That is according to The Daily Telegraph, who are reporting the Storm and Raiders are set to meet with the 24-year-old ahead of a potential move.
Meanwhile, the Tigers are still hopeful of retaining the talented prop, who was given permission to test the market by the merger club on June 26.
The only place to watch every game of every round LIVE with no ad-breaks during play is Fox League, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
“There’s no denying Stefano is a wonderful talent,” Flanagan said to News Corp.
“But so that we don’t waste anyone’s time we’ve opted to turn our focus elsewhere both internally and externally.”
Tigers powerbrokers have already tabled a five-year extension worth $5 million to the one-game NSW representative.
However, Utoikamanu reportedly has a desire to join a club that can compete for a title, with the Storm an attractive prospect for the middle forward.
Melbourne are considered to be short on middle forwards and would have to shuffle their salary cap to make room for Utoikamanu.
Fletch & Hindy grill the Bulldogs | 08:19
MORE NRL NEWS
‘BOILED OVER’: Eels admit Moses ‘frustrated’ at club after sin bin in latest loss
CAS WARD: Parramatta lose enforcer during clash against Rabbitohs
HOOPS: Comedy of errors and club fracture behind Eels’ ugly free fall
CRAWLS: Big Ponga call facing Billy; why Moses spray says everything about Eels
But with doubts surrounding Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s future at the Storm, the Tigers have reportedly inquired about his availability should they lose their key prop.
Ricky Stuart and the Raiders are reportedly ready to stump up $1 million per-season for his services, looking to replace veteran Josh Papalii who is set to retire.
The Bulldogs, meanwhile, are said to be monitoring the situation but won’t be willing to enter a bidding war for the enforcer’s services.
Phil Gould has already recruited Tom Amone from the Super League ahead of the 2025 season, giving the Belmore-based club much needed middle forward reinforcements.
The Dolphins are also reportedly keeping tabs on Utoikamanu’s situation, preparing for life without Jesse Bromwich who is also set to retire at the season’s end.
