LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Panthers' move for Utoikamanu met with Marshall resistance
In a surprising twist, Penrith Panthers have suddenly found themselves in the green and are reportedly eyeing off Wests Tigers prop Stefano Utoikamanu.
However, Benji Marshall has stepped up to caution the Panthers against approaching Utoikamanu, as rumors swirl that they are eyeing him to step into the shoes of James Fisher-Harris.
The Panthers were hit with another blow this week when Fisher-Harris requested to be released from his contract for personal reasons, paving the way for him to head back to New Zealand to be closer to family.
This move followed a trend of star players leaving the Panthers in recent years, but it has freed up a hefty sum of $900,000 for the reigning champions to splash in the player market.
While Utoikamanu and David Fifita have emerged as potential targets, Tigers coach Marshall is throwing a spanner in the works.
Utoikamanu, who has represented NSW, is tied down until 2025 but has an exit clause that could come into play under certain circumstances.
As per NRL regulations, the Panthers are prohibited from engaging with Utoikamanu until next year at the earliest.
"He's still the player next year," Marshall asserted ahead of the Tigers-Panthers clash.
"I'm not sweating it.
Let's focus on the game tomorrow."