Stefano Utoikamanu #241

[TIGERPOWER]

He won’t stick around. Why would he ? He deserves to play in a winning team that competes for trophies

 

[Tigerlily]

Stefano has an amazing future ahead of him that’s for sure, we can only hope that he sees the future WTs that Madge keeps talking about.

 

[Lukic]

Stefano, Mikele, Twal all played hard today

Mikele made 140m and 33 tackles

Twal 61 tackles 0 misses and 100m

A couple of blokes went off early with injuries who cant be blamed and Nofa tried hard out of poistion but the rest was very very poor

That is the problem. a couple of these blokes have stats against them, but honestly had no impact on the game. Mikaele offers little and I wouldn't have been sad to see him go

You can't have world beaters at every position. Mikaele is certainly good enough for 1st grade even if he's underperformed compared to his potential. Our props are ok, our halfback is a complete donkey that couldn't organise a piss-up in a brewery.

 

[Curaeus]

I believe we are looking at a generational talent who we simply have to retain. As good as this young man is now, imagine how good he's going to be with greater first grade and rep game experience over the next few seasons.

 

[shifty]

Unless a miracle happens, he’s gone once his contract is up…and you wouldn’t blame him.

 

[Harvey]

Stefano, Mikele, Twal all played hard today

Mikele made 140m and 33 tackles

Twal 61 tackles 0 misses and 100m

A couple of blokes went off early with injuries who cant be blamed and Nofa tried hard out of poistion but the rest was very very poor

That is the problem. a couple of these blokes have stats against them, but honestly had no impact on the game. Mikaele offers little and I wouldn't have been sad to see him go

You can't have world beaters at every position. Mikaele is certainly good enough for 1st grade even if he's underperformed compared to his potential. Our props are ok, our halfback is a complete donkey that couldn't organise a piss-up in a brewery.

Mikaele is good for 25 minutes off the bench. Will hit the ball up with effort, but absolutely no effort in defence. If he has to move, that is asking a lot

 

[GCfan]

I was pretty happy with Mikaele today in general. He put in more than I’d seen in a while and particularly after a contract extension which is when you see a drop generally.

 

[tig_prmz]

I saw someone earlier said that this loss may be good for our club if it forces action. I feel the opposite.. guys like Stefano, Laurie, Blore etc.. they would feel prety gutted. They may not physically go out and find another club but this would really make them doubt their future here.

A club like Broncos at least has a rich history and an assurance that they will come out of it. Next year I feel will be even worse and I can't see these guys sticking it out.

Back on Stefano though and he is a talent. The sky is the limit for him.

 

[cqtiger]

Unless a miracle happens, he’s gone once his contract is up…and you wouldn’t blame him.

I am worried that he’ll leave before his contract is up

 

[Love_the_WestsTigers]

Stefano has an amazing future ahead of him that’s for sure, we can only hope that he sees the future WTs that Madge keeps talking about.

One of the reasons he needs to be tied up for at least 3-5 years with decent money to keep the poaches out

 

[shifty]

Unless a miracle happens, he’s gone once his contract is up…and you wouldn’t blame him.

I am worried that he’ll leave before his contract is up

Yup, and you still couldn’t blame him if that ends up coming to fruition

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

I saw someone earlier said that this loss may be good for our club if it forces action. I feel the opposite.. guys like Stefano, Laurie, Blore etc.. they would feel prety gutted. They may not physically go out and find another club but this would really make them doubt their future here.

A club like Broncos at least has a rich history and an assurance that they will come out of it. Next year I feel will be even worse and I can't see these guys sticking it out.

Back on Stefano though and he is a talent. The sky is the limit for him.

Brisbane still are not out of trouble and don't look like it really anytime soon

 

[Tiger-ferret]

I don’t see it as all doom and gloom. Tigers fought hard to give him an opportunity when parra was not. He is a leader on the field as seen by his tackle yesterday. He appears to have integrity.

Yes he could leave at end of contract. I’m hopeful we’ll start surrounding him with other talented youngsters for him to lead and he’ll stay. I don’t think he’ll leave prior to contracts end.

 

[Guest]

Rookie Report: Stefano Utoikamanu
Author - Michael Blok
Timestamp - Mon 13 Sep 2021, 12:24 PM

There may have a lot of hype surrounding Stefano Utoikamanu before a ball was kicked in 2021, but that pressure didn't get to the young Wests Tigers prop as he delivered in an impressive rookie season.

Utoikamanu played 21 games across the season, scoring six tries and averaging close to 100 metres a game — but he also gave Wests Tigers Members and fans something special to be excited about in 2022.

Starting the year from the interchange bench, Utoikamanu was promoted to the starting side after a number of strong performances and the youngster got better as the season progressed.

Utoikamanu was rewarded with a spot in Brad Fittler's NSW Origin squad for Game Three, and although he wasn't named in the final line-up, being around the game's elite players was a valuable opportunity for the youngster.

“It was a cool experience. It was great to see how the boys prepare for training — especially the guys who are at the top level and are the best,” the prop said.

“It was pretty cool to train with those boys. They train at a different intensity — it’s amazing to see — everyone does that little bit extra.

“Everyone was heaps professional, but I thought it was great working with Dale Finucane — he trains the house down — it’s like he’s playing a game every time he trains. Looking at him train was pretty cool and then watching him go into a game was a good experience.”

On return to club football with Wests Tigers, Utoikamanu had a spectacular end to the season as he finished the final eight games as one of his side's best players.

Although he excelled, even Utoikamanu knows he has more to give and his 2021 output was a glimpse of what fans can expect in the coming years.

At the age of just 21, the booming prop has a big career ahead of him.

STAT ATTACK
Appearances — 21

Tries — 6

Total running metres — 2050 (avg. 97)

Post contact metres — 971 (avg. 46.2)

Tackles made — 579 (avg. 27.6)

Tackle efficiency — 94.2%

Offloads — 18

Tackle breaks — 35

NRL Fantasy points — 912 (avg. 43.4)

BEST TRY
Utoikamanu will never forget his first NRL try as he broke through Newcastle's defensive line in Wests Tigers' first win of 2021.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE
It's hard to pick Utoikamanu's best game of the season because he was so consistent towards the backend of the campaign — however we've gone with his Round 20 effort against the Warriors.

Although Wests Tigers weren't able to get the desired result, Utoikamanu busted his guts for his teammates as he recorded 166 metres (67 post contact) and 36 tackles in a 58 minute performance.

SOCIAL SCENE
Family always comes first for Stefano!

2022 FORECAST
After an impressive 2021 season, Utoikamanu will head into next year's campaign high on confidence.

His goal will be to lock down a starting position in the front row at Wests Tigers and to play consistent footy — with the ultimate goal of making his State of Origin debut, although he's prepared to wait for that one.

Wests Tigers Members and fans should be excited to see Utoikamanu go to a new level in 2022.

 

[WT2K]

One of a few shining lights this season. Looking forward to watching Stefano go to another level next season.

 

[Elderslie_Tiger]

One of a few shining lights this season. Looking forward to watching Stefano go to another level next season.

Would rather hear he's been extended and upgrade before next season

 

[izotope]

Not sure about him trying to "lock down a starting position" surely he is the first one picked.

 

[BAGNF05]

I hope they asked him what they need to do to keep him when conducting the review. I’m sure he would have said ‘get me some quality players to teach me’ he’s 21.

 

[happy_tiger]

Stefano's wondering why he didn't listen to Matterson ,Moses and Nathan Brown ........probably looking at the bus schedule to the Blue Mountains as we speak ......or Brookvale .....Brisbane .....anywhere .....

 

[Geo]

Stefano's wondering why he didn't listen to Matterson ,Moses and Nathan Brown ........probably looking at the bus schedule to the Blue Mountains as we speak ......or Brookvale .....Brisbane .....anywhere .....

Imagine being in the trenches with you..☠️🦨