Tigers soften Utoikamanu blow by signing Bulldogs beast
By Adam Pengilly and Dan Walsh
Updated August 13, 2024 — 6.06pmfirst published August 11, 2024 — 10.43am
The Wests Tigers have dipped into their $2 million war chest to make another significant signing, with Bulldogs wrecking ball Jeral Skelton to join Benji Marshall’s side next year.
Sketon will follow Panthers pair Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva to Concord after agreeing a two-year deal on Tuesday.
The addition of Skelton will fill a huge hole for the Tigers, who were desperate to add another outside back after the marquee signing of Luai and boom prop Stefano Utoikamanu rejecting a $4 million extension to join the Storm.
Skelton has been restricted to just six NRL matches for the Bulldogs since debuting last year, but has impressed during limited NRL opportunities this season.
The 25-year-old is the cousin of Wallabies star Will Skelton and his signing continues the Tigers’ major roster overhaul, which has included Isaiah Papali’i being allowed to leave his contract early to join Penrith, Utoikamanu activating a clause to leave the club and doubts over the future of John Bateman, who has signed a short-term deal with Sam Burgess’ Warrington.
Skelton has been stuck behind Bulldogs wingers Josh Addo-Carr, Jacob Kiraz and Blake Wilson for the majority of this season.
The loss of their gun prop hurt the Tigers, but Benji Marshall has landed a major recruitment blow of his own after pinching a rising star from Canterbury.
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