THE BIZARRE REALITY AND WAITING GAME FOR TIGERS FRONTROWER
Good on the Wests Tigers for being bullish about trying to sign in-demand front-rower Stefano Utoikamanu on a long-term deal.
But there’s also a feeling the in-form forward is in no rush given his desire to play finals football.
In one of the strangest NRL contracts we’ve ever encountered Stefano has a variety of different gravy options in his deal.
The first one is if the big prop makes the Blues State of Origin side and plays two games this year then it triggers an option to remain at Wests Tigers.
The next one is if the Wests Tigers make the finals this year then it also triggers an option to remain at the club.
In the event none of that happens then Utoikamanu is a free agent as of November 1 with his contract with Wests Tigers up at the end of 2025.
Currently in his fourth season at the Tigers, like all players Utoikamanu wants to play September football.
So if the options fail to get triggered then we’re tipping he’ll probably hold fire until November 1 so he can test the open market.
You’ve only got to look at the success Luke Brooks is enjoying at the Manly Sea Eagles since opting for a change of club.
Once one of the most maligned players in the NRL, Brooks is now flying under the radar and simply playing his role with the Sea Eagles.
We hope Utoikamanu remains at Wests Tigers where he’s enjoyed a strong start to the season.
But there’s guaranteed to be plenty of rival clubs in the queue for his signature with the pitch being look what a change of club has done for Brooks.
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