LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Stefano Utoikamanu has been handed the green light to explore his options, as the Wests Tigers brace for the possibility of losing their prized prop forward to the lure of the open market.
The Tigers hierarchy are crossing their fingers in hopes that Utoikamanu will choose to stay with the team, but acknowledge that his wandering eye could lead him elsewhere.
The club remains optimistic that they can sway their powerhouse player to remain at the joint venture.
Utoikamanu has the option to stick around with the Tigers until 2025, pending certain conditions like the team securing a finals berth and him representing the Blues in State of Origin matches.
Unfortunately, his dreams of donning the sky blue jersey have already been dashed this year, and the Tigers' chances of making the top eight are looking slim, despite some impressive victories of late.
Rumors have surfaced that the Tigers have offered the 24-year-old a lucrative five-year contract worth a cool $4 million.
However, Utoikamanu is now ready to dip his toes in the tumultuous waters of the market, with numerous premiership contenders vying for his signature, keen to bolster their forward pack with his undeniable talent.
"We've had heart-to-heart talks with Stefano, Chiara, and his management team, and everyone involved wants what's best for him and his loved ones," stated Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson.
"Stefano hasn't expressed a burning desire to part ways, but he is eager to explore what else is out there, and we respect his decision to do so."