Stefano Utoikamanu #241

[TonyTiger]

Easy? So where is he going then ?

Back to the Eels after Madge whispered ‘sweet nothings’ into his ear .. “Hey Steph, I’m taking the coaching job at the Eels, follow me over and I’ll guarantee you Origin selection”

 

[TonyTiger]

It could well be a media beat up. It could also be his agent agitating to secure the best outcome for his client (i.e doing his job). Having said that, Wests Tigers desperately need players who want to play for the jersey and their teammates. If he makes one statement about it "being a business now" and "doing the best thing for my family", Richo should withdraw the offer and cut him loose. It would be nice for Steph to come out with a strong statement of commitment. I want to play for this club. I want to be part of turning it around. I am happy to have sorted out my contract extension and I am here for the long haul. Will it happen? Seems it might not work out that way. He's a good front rower, potentially could be a very good one. It would be a shame for him to leave, but I am not sure he is worth more than the 800K per season they have offered. He's no Blocker Roach!

I see what you mean, Steph hasn’t patted the referee on the head yet!

 

[liltiger]

Just sick of players leaving to play finals and in origin's, it's as if they're not being paid to do that at the Tigers

 

[Tom Shines]

Back to the Eels after Madge whispered ‘sweet nothings’ into his ear .. “Hey Steph, I’m taking the coaching job at the Eels, follow me over and I’ll guarantee you Origin selection”

Talking Luia

 

[GNR4LIFE]

There’s only 4 players in this squad I place any value in. Api, Galvin, Bula and Pole. The rest can take a walk if they believe they can get a better deal at a better club.

 

[Tiger_Fanatic3]

So according to the gronks on 360, they reckon Stef is set to reject Tigers extension offer

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Just sick of players leaving to play finals and in origin's, it's as if they're not being paid to do that at the Tigers

They go to better clubs with better players around them.

 

[BAGNF05]

So according to the gronks on 360, they reckon Stef is set to reject Tigers extension offer

And Api’s response when questioned just about confirmed it.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

And Api’s response when questioned just about confirmed it.

Maybe you could tell us what that response was?

 

[Vicious]

So according to the gronks on 360, they reckon Stef is set to reject Tigers extension offer

They are claiming Souths, Bulldogs as better clubs.
Have a good look at their rosters and they are both ageing badly, Wayne will not get Soutgs into the top 8 in 2025, no chance.

 

[BAGNF05]

Maybe you could tell us what that response was?

Whenever they start saying that the player needs to do what’s best for them blah blah you get the idea… ended by awkwardly pleading “please stay Stef!”

 

[GNR4LIFE]

They are claiming Souths, Bulldogs as better clubs.
Have a good look at their rosters and they are both ageing badly, Wayne will not get Soutgs into the top 8 in 2025, no chance.

Don’t confuse claims of teams having better rosters than us as being the same as endorsements for those clubs. Doesn’t take much to have a better roster than we have had the last several years.

 

[liltiger]

I'm much more concerned with Crawley claiming theres whispers about Galvin wanting out. No doubt Isaac Moses is in the thick of it all. Pretty sure he's his manager atm.

 

[Tucker]

They are claiming Souths, Bulldogs as better clubs.
Have a good look at their rosters and they are both ageing badly, Wayne will not get Soutgs into the top 8 in 2025, no chance.

They are.
Every club is.

 

[Magpies1969]

My view if he has no pride in the jersey and respect for his team mates then go.
From his input so far $800,000 a season is being very generous.

 

[Needaname]

In one of the articles I read, they said he was considered a very in demand forward just a level below other 950k props in the form of Blake, Fish and Hass. And then goes on to mention whilst not at that level, there may be a club willing to pay him that for their needs. Sounds to me like a manager trying to get the most cash he can for Steph and hoping to exceed the 800k deal we are offering.

 

[Robbie's Love Child]

There’s only 4 players in this squad I place any value in. Api, Galvin, Bula and Pole. The rest can take a walk if they believe they can get a better deal at a better club.

Totally agree, build around these guys and Luai, Turuva and the youngsters. The rest haven't shown anything consistently.

 

[Furious1]

Unless Stef has really had enough, you'd think his manager would push for a slight upgrade for next year, commit to next year and see how it goes with Luai and whoever else we can nab.
I have a feeling he could end up at the Dogs

 

[426Tlgerland]

I feel he may be moving on , I do understand why , but having Luai and Turuva confirmed as coming plus the club cleaning out a few then going to market I would have thought he may stay , Sam is progressing well , Bulla going ok , Galvin going very well , Lob getting a crack, all young players who could be together for a few years ,

 

[TYGA]

Tigers have made a slightly above level contract for Uto on form and if he doesn’t take it walk away.

Leo Thompson, Royce Hunt, Tuku Hau Taupua, Tui kamakica, Xavier Willson all available nov 1.

Alec Tuitivake would be wise from dragons for next year.