Wests Tigers prop Stefano Utoikamanu shuts down Sydney link, joins Storm on three-year deal
Updated . First published at
Wests Tigers prop Stefano Utoikamanu has dismissed further options with rivals clubs and will join the Melbourne Storm on a three-year deal.
The club confirmed Utoikamanu would depart at the end of the season earlier this week after a extensive battle to keep him in the Tigers outfit.
Utoikamanu is regarded as one of the best young forwards in the game, having played 73 NRL matches and making his representative debut with the Blues and Samoa in 2023.
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He was believed to be remaining in NSW after links emerged with the Canterbury Bulldogs.
Stefano Utoikamanu speaks to the media. Sydney Morning Herald
However the 24-year-old has opted to sign with an experienced Storm outfit under Craig Bellamy.
"Stefano is an exciting young forward and also an impressive young man," Storm general manager football Frank Ponissi said.
"I'm sure he's going to come with a hard-working attitude and be ready for a big pre-season when he joins us later this year.
"We are excited to welcome Stefano and his family to the club."
