LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Brisbane is steering clear of a pre-NRL grand final exchange with Stefano Utoikamanu after the Melbourne Storm prop referred to Broncos players as "stuck up."
Utoikamanu ignited tensions for Sunday's grand final at Stadium Australia earlier this week, suggesting that members of Brisbane's team exhibited arrogance.
The normally unassuming Storm front-rower expressed his eagerness to "run over" players from the Broncos.
It's unclear exactly whom Utoikamanu was targeting with his remarks, but players like Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam have faced accusations in the past of having a 'rockstar' demeanor.
During the grand final fan day at Sydney's Circular Quay on Thursday, Walsh, Mam, and Utoikamanu were met with boos from fans.
Brisbane coach Michael Maguire, who previously coached Utoikamanu at Wests Tigers, took the opportunity to defend his players' integrity.
He mentioned that Utoikamanu's comments would likely be ignored, stating, "My players have got their own motivations," Maguire told reporters.