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The Wests Tigers’ fight to retain Stefano Utoikamanu is on life support after the parties agreed to remain in talks but put
contract negotiations on hold for the moment.
Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson and Utoikamanu’s manager Daniel O’Loughlin are believed to have met this week for the first time since a five-year-deal worth $4 million was placed on the table, a bid the club hoped would convince the front row enforcer to stay.
However, it is understood they are yet to strike a deal as Utoikamanu edges closer to the open market.
Rival clubs are circling with intent as they consider making a move for Utoikamanu but may need to be patient as they wait to see whether contract clauses come into effect that would tie him to the Tigers for another year.
Utoikamanu will automatically trigger a one-year extension if he plays the final two games of the State of Origin series for NSW or the Tigers qualify for the finals.
Both seem unlikely at this stage, meaning the Tigers may have only a matter of weeks to strike a deal or risk their best forward being up for grabs.
Stefano Utoikamanu’s contract talks with the club have been put on hold for the moment. Picture: NRL Photos
It comes as the Tigers find themselves in the midst of a roster rebuild, having given half Jayden Sullivan and centre Brent Naden permission to explore their options elsewhere.
Sullivan has interest from Super League but he won’t be going to England any time soon despite overseas reports that the Wests Tigers half was on his way to the competition next season.
The fact that Sullivan has appeared on the radar of a host of Super League clubs isn’t a surprise given the Tigers are happy for the half to move on at the end of season.
However, his agent Mario Tartak has made it clear that Sullivan has little interest to quit the NRL at the age of 22.
“My client Jayden Sullivan will not be going to the Super League,” Tartak said. “These rumours are just that.”
The English press have also nominated Catalans as a potential landing spot for Naden. Naden, who too is free to move on at the end of the season despite being contracted to the Tigers, won’t be joining the French-based club.
A Catalans contact said the club had no interest in pursuing the outside back.