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Stefano Utoikamanu

simmo1

First Grade
Messages
5,487
Still can't work out why we let Blore go. He did all the right things in terms of attitude/effort but just never seemed to get an extended run with Sheens/Benji. No surprise he is excelling in Melbourne.

Stefano is the opposite. Shit attitude and goes missing every second week, yet has been given every opportunity to establish himself at this club. He won't have it nearly as easy under Bellamy.
 

Trollhammaren

Juniors
Messages
2,049
Still can't work out why we let Blore go. He did all the right things in terms of attitude/effort but just never seemed to get an extended run with Sheens/Benji. No surprise he is excelling in Melbourne.

Stefano is the opposite. Shit attitude and goes missing every second week, yet has been given every opportunity to establish himself at this club. He won't have it nearly as easy under Bellamy.

Pascoe and Lee's parting gift to us.
 

Nutz

First Grade
Messages
5,303
@Tiger05
It's not gloom and doom for sure. The Fianu brother are offering more and cost less.
What we do need is a big lad who can run hard and fast and have more strings to his bow than what we have.
A perfect player that would have completely transformed our pack is Angus Crichton.
After coming back from mental health leave he's been the best forward in the comp. For brief period he was contemplating going back to union as the Roosters were uncertain what to do with him. In hindsight, we could have offered the rorters Stef/Angus swap and thrown in some cash that probably would amount to what we are going to cough up now if we want Stefano. We missed the boat.
We should be able to pay big bucks for a marquee forward with departing stock but who and would they come to our club?
 
Messages
3,307
What one of the esteemed NRL journalists had to say/write.

Wests Tigers are hoping for the saga around Stefano Utoikamanu's future to be finalised in the next 48 hours.

9News reporter Danny Weidler understands Utoikamanu is edging closer to a decision on his future after meeting with Storm bosses in Melbourne on Sunday.

However, Craig Bellamy's bid to steal the Tigers prop's signature is shaky with the club informing Weidler "they are not confident" Utoikamanu is prepared to make the move.

"The Melbourne Storm told me that they are not confident getting Stefano down there because he has a strong family tie in Sydney," Weidler said on Nine's 100% Footy.

"I don't think he's necessarily keen to move out of Sydney even though the Melbourne Storm will be a good club for him to be involved in.

"Tigers fans may be hoping but at the moment I think he's still undecided."

The 24-year-old has an option to remain at Concord beyond this season but also has a number of unique contract clauses that allow him to become a free agent.

The Tigers remain confident Utoikamanu will sign a long-term extension, despite granting the star permission to explore options with rival teams.

Utoikamanu, who was tabled a $4 million extension offer by the Tigers, previously expressed his desire to join a winning team.

"He's been talking about being motivated by winning, and unfortunately when you look at the Tigers - I'm not having a shot at the club - but they're not winning," Weidler said.

"He just wants to experience victories."

Weidler noted "the rumours are the Tigers would get Nelson if Stefano goes", however, the club reportedly is not interested in the Storm enforcer's talent.
 

Tiger Ted

Bench
Messages
3,248
What one of the esteemed NRL journalists had to say/write.

Wests Tigers are hoping for the saga around Stefano Utoikamanu's future to be finalised in the next 48 hours.

9News reporter Danny Weidler understands Utoikamanu is edging closer to a decision on his future after meeting with Storm bosses in Melbourne on Sunday.

However, Craig Bellamy's bid to steal the Tigers prop's signature is shaky with the club informing Weidler "they are not confident" Utoikamanu is prepared to make the move.

"The Melbourne Storm told me that they are not confident getting Stefano down there because he has a strong family tie in Sydney," Weidler said on Nine's 100% Footy.

"I don't think he's necessarily keen to move out of Sydney even though the Melbourne Storm will be a good club for him to be involved in.

"Tigers fans may be hoping but at the moment I think he's still undecided."

The 24-year-old has an option to remain at Concord beyond this season but also has a number of unique contract clauses that allow him to become a free agent.

The Tigers remain confident Utoikamanu will sign a long-term extension, despite granting the star permission to explore options with rival teams.

Utoikamanu, who was tabled a $4 million extension offer by the Tigers, previously expressed his desire to join a winning team.

"He's been talking about being motivated by winning, and unfortunately when you look at the Tigers - I'm not having a shot at the club - but they're not winning," Weidler said.

"He just wants to experience victories."

Weidler noted "the rumours are the Tigers would get Nelson if Stefano goes", however, the club reportedly is not interested in the Storm enforcer's talent.
Certainly not referring to me saying “tigers fans may be hoping..” I so hope he doesn’t commit to what will become another toxic contract for us.Its such a dumb offer from a club with a horrendous history of paying massive overs for ingrate bludging merkins
 

Tigerm

Coach
Messages
10,774
Still can't work out why we let Blore go. He did all the right things in terms of attitude/effort but just never seemed to get an extended run with Sheens/Benji. No surprise he is excelling in Melbourne.

Stefano is the opposite. Shit attitude and goes missing every second week, yet has been given every opportunity to establish himself at this club. He won't have it nearly as easy under Bellamy.
He was injury prone, even before he got here.
Wat the time, getting Papi and Bateman was a great option, it’s turned out to be shit, but you can’t know that then.
 

Tigerm

Coach
Messages
10,774
I love these t
What one of the esteemed NRL journalists had to say/write.

Wests Tigers are hoping for the saga around Stefano Utoikamanu's future to be finalised in the next 48 hours.

9News reporter Danny Weidler understands Utoikamanu is edging closer to a decision on his future after meeting with Storm bosses in Melbourne on Sunday.

However, Craig Bellamy's bid to steal the Tigers prop's signature is shaky with the club informing Weidler "they are not confident" Utoikamanu is prepared to make the move.

"The Melbourne Storm told me that they are not confident getting Stefano down there because he has a strong family tie in Sydney," Weidler said on Nine's 100% Footy.

"I don't think he's necessarily keen to move out of Sydney even though the Melbourne Storm will be a good club for him to be involved in.

"Tigers fans may be hoping but at the moment I think he's still undecided."

The 24-year-old has an option to remain at Concord beyond this season but also has a number of unique contract clauses that allow him to become a free agent.

The Tigers remain confident Utoikamanu will sign a long-term extension, despite granting the star permission to explore options with rival teams.

Utoikamanu, who was tabled a $4 million extension offer by the Tigers, previously expressed his desire to join a winning team.

"He's been talking about being motivated by winning, and unfortunately when you look at the Tigers - I'm not having a shot at the club - but they're not winning," Weidler said.

"He just wants to experience victories."

Weidler noted "the rumours are the Tigers would get Nelson if Stefano goes", however, the club reportedly is not interested in the Storm enforcer's talent.
I love these types of comments
“expressed his desire to join a winning team.”
When he hasn’t really contributed here?
So, he thinks he will go somewhere else and deliver the same effort he gives here, he’s dreaming.
 

Tigerm

Coach
Messages
10,774
What one of the esteemed NRL journalists had to say/write.

Wests Tigers are hoping for the saga around Stefano Utoikamanu's future to be finalised in the next 48 hours.

9News reporter Danny Weidler understands Utoikamanu is edging closer to a decision on his future after meeting with Storm bosses in Melbourne on Sunday.

However, Craig Bellamy's bid to steal the Tigers prop's signature is shaky with the club informing Weidler "they are not confident" Utoikamanu is prepared to make the move.

"The Melbourne Storm told me that they are not confident getting Stefano down there because he has a strong family tie in Sydney," Weidler said on Nine's 100% Footy.

"I don't think he's necessarily keen to move out of Sydney even though the Melbourne Storm will be a good club for him to be involved in.

"Tigers fans may be hoping but at the moment I think he's still undecided."

The 24-year-old has an option to remain at Concord beyond this season but also has a number of unique contract clauses that allow him to become a free agent.

The Tigers remain confident Utoikamanu will sign a long-term extension, despite granting the star permission to explore options with rival teams.

Utoikamanu, who was tabled a $4 million extension offer by the Tigers, previously expressed his desire to join a winning team.

"He's been talking about being motivated by winning, and unfortunately when you look at the Tigers - I'm not having a shot at the club - but they're not winning," Weidler said.

"He just wants to experience victories."

Weidler noted "the rumours are the Tigers would get Nelson if Stefano goes", however, the club reportedly is not interested in the Storm enforcer's talent.
I read or heard, that Nelson may go back to rugby?
 

Nutz

First Grade
Messages
5,303
What one of the esteemed NRL journalists had to say/write.

Wests Tigers are hoping for the saga around Stefano Utoikamanu's future to be finalised in the next 48 hours.

9News reporter Danny Weidler understands Utoikamanu is edging closer to a decision on his future after meeting with Storm bosses in Melbourne on Sunday.

However, Craig Bellamy's bid to steal the Tigers prop's signature is shaky with the club informing Weidler "they are not confident" Utoikamanu is prepared to make the move.

"The Melbourne Storm told me that they are not confident getting Stefano down there because he has a strong family tie in Sydney," Weidler said on Nine's 100% Footy.

"I don't think he's necessarily keen to move out of Sydney even though the Melbourne Storm will be a good club for him to be involved in.

"Tigers fans may be hoping but at the moment I think he's still undecided."

The 24-year-old has an option to remain at Concord beyond this season but also has a number of unique contract clauses that allow him to become a free agent.

The Tigers remain confident Utoikamanu will sign a long-term extension, despite granting the star permission to explore options with rival teams.

Utoikamanu, who was tabled a $4 million extension offer by the Tigers, previously expressed his desire to join a winning team.

"He's been talking about being motivated by winning, and unfortunately when you look at the Tigers - I'm not having a shot at the club - but they're not winning," Weidler said.

"He just wants to experience victories."

Weidler noted "the rumours are the Tigers would get Nelson if Stefano goes", however, the club reportedly is not interested in the Storm enforcer's talent.
I think WT also did something for his family but I can't remember what it was.
 

Tiger05

First Grade
Messages
9,690
Certainly not referring to me saying “tigers fans may be hoping..” I so hope he doesn’t commit to what will become another toxic contract for us.Its such a dumb offer from a club with a horrendous history of paying massive overs for ingrate bludging merkins

This is not a good signing for us or any club atm. He may turn into a gun player but he isn't there yet. The only reason I hope he stays is that he is that big prop who can have an impact with simple hard running and we don't have other players like that. He could be the leader of our pack or better put the guy that comes up with a big run when it's required.

In stating that I prefer our other middles because they are consistently better and cost a lot less. The worst case scenario is we end up with another shit contract for a shit merkin and we lose the other middle forwards that we have that are performing better.
 

Fordy20

Juniors
Messages
2,290
Still can't work out why we let Blore go. He did all the right things in terms of attitude/effort but just never seemed to get an extended run with Sheens/Benji. No surprise he is excelling in Melbourne.

Stefano is the opposite. Shit attitude and goes missing every second week, yet has been given every opportunity to establish himself at this club. He won't have it nearly as easy under Bellamy.

Blore was injured a bit, but the main problem was that he was a Madge signing when Sheens literally signed Bateman to play in his position, that would have been the nail in the coffin for his time here. I would have loved to have a Blore/Fainu backrow, but Porter looks like he can do a job and we still might be stuck with Bateman for a while, depending on what happens over the next six months.

Blore is thriving down there in Melbourne and it wouldn't surprise me if Stephano thrived down there too under Bellamy. He signed to play under Madge and I reckon it's been a very different experience under Sheens and Benji. I don't think he'll end up at Melbourne though. Melbourne are thinking that if we were willing to take over Olam's long contract when he was busted, that we'd be willing to do the same for Nelson. I like to think that now that Richo is here, we aren't going to be a dumping ground for players who are past it. I guess that's why Nelson is looking at Rugby instead.
 

DJDL

First Grade
Messages
5,418
I love these t

I love these types of comments
“expressed his desire to join a winning team.”
When he hasn’t really contributed here?
So, he thinks he will go somewhere else and deliver the same effort he gives here, he’s dreaming.

Spot on.

You want to be part of a winning team?
Then how's about improving your effort week in, week out?
If he and some of the other seniors did that I think you'd start to see a turn around.
Probably not enough to move to the top of the table, but certainly enough to climb a few rungs.

Then you're half a chance of attracting other players to the club.
They can see the Tigers are improving, and the players are putting in.
One or two more astute signings and all of a sudden you're back amongst it again.

Instead they see players with loads of ability just going through the motions and putting in minimum effort.
It doesn't cry out "come and join us".

Honestly, he has so much potential.
But to realise it he needs to start putting in, and sooner rather than later.
Otherwise it'll pass him by.

He's shaping up to be the next David Fifita - paid crazy money to occasionally put in a performance worthy of the coin, but mostly just spend his time sitting back counting his money.
 

Vic Mackey

Referee
Messages
25,371
If Stef left us to the dogs it would be a massive slap in the face. Look they’ve gone ok, but overall they’ve been shitter then us for the past 10 years and have had like 12 decent weeks. I still don’t think they’re going anywhere near as well as others are, they’ll still miss the 8 imo.

Storm/panthers/easts I could cop.
 

WA Tiger

Bench
Messages
4,727
I know the tried and true “games are won in the forwards” ..but..we’ve tried to improve by recruiting the apparently top / potentially top forwards..At one time statistically about when Klemmer signed it looked like we had the best forward pack in the world ..It hasn’t worked.
Let’s start / continue recruiting the very best backs for now and let the forwards take care of themselves (as seems to have been the attitude about our backs for so long until very recently)...Target the very best of what we lack in the backs ..use steffs money.. then let the gun forwards come knocking.. that may be what richos looking at doing anyway..
 
Last edited:

Nutz

First Grade
Messages
5,303
If Stef left us to the dogs it would be a massive slap in the face. Look they’ve gone ok, but overall they’ve been shitter then us for the past 10 years and have had like 12 decent weeks. I still don’t think they’re going anywhere near as well as others are, they’ll still miss the 8 imo.

Storm/panthers/easts I could cop.
We proved last week we can put on a decent score but defending is a huge problem.
Mistakes are coming from either trying too hard and taking bad options or fatigue.
All of which can come from from sustained pressure.
If we dominated in the forwards we would make less errors.
We have enough backs imo. If Stef dominated week in week out and other fwds played off the back of that, we wouldn't be at the bottom of the table.
Having key fwds play like reserve graders doesn't help either. Nor does not having dominating fwds in reserve grade pushing hard for selection.
Most of our depth are smaller/edge fwds.
 

Trollhammaren

Juniors
Messages
2,049
If Stef left us to the dogs it would be a massive slap in the face. Look they’ve gone ok, but overall they’ve been shitter then us for the past 10 years and have had like 12 decent weeks. I still don’t think they’re going anywhere near as well as others are, they’ll still miss the 8 imo.

Storm/panthers/easts I could cop.

Spot on. They've beaten two Top 8 sides all year (Roosters who had a bludger, and Sharks when Nicho missed that field goal from in front). They've been very arsey I reckon. Media overhyping them to the max. Attitude and defence has definitely improved but they are no where near a Top 4 team.
 

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