Desperate Tigers make $4m play to keep young star as teammates offered to English clubs
The Wests Tigers have made a $4 million play to keep a rising star at the club despite attempting to sell off several of his teammates.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports the Concord club has tabled a five-year contract extension to young forward Stefano Utoikamanu.
The deal is said to be worth $4m, or $800,000 per season over its entirety.
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The move from the Tigers is designed to keep rival NRL clubs at bay and prevent the 24-year-old from hitting the open market.
The Herald reports Utoikamanu will become a free agent unless he plays two State of Origin games this year, or the Tigers make the top eight.
Stefano Utoikamanu celebrates with his Tigers teammates. Getty
He was not selected in Michael Maguire's Blues squad last week and so appears long odds to play two Origin games.
And the struggling Tigers sit 16th on the ladder with only two wins under new coach Benji Marshall.
Utoikamanu would be the most in-demand forward - if not overall player - on the NRL market if he was to gauge his options.
The Herald also reports Utoikamanu's manager will seek permission to speak to rival clubs unless his client is picked for the Blues in Origin II.
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It comes at the same time new Tigers CEO Shane Richardson is attempting a fire sale of other players at the club.
Isaiah Papali'i has already signed with Penrith for next year, while Richardson has reportedly been in England trying to sell the likes of Jayden Sullivan and Brent Naden.
Young hooker Jake Simpkin was released to join Manly on Monday.
