Dragons and Raiders set to table $4.5 million offers to Utoikamanu
St George Illawarra have signalled their interest in luring Stefano Utoikamanu to the club and are preparing to offer the Wests Tigers prop a five-year deal worth $4.5 million.
The Dragons opened discussions with Utoikamanu this week and want the opportunity to sell the club’s vision to the former NSW Origin representative, who this week was granted permission by the Tigers to explore options at rival clubs.
The Herald reported earlier this month that the Tigers have tabled Utoikamanu a five-year deal worth $4 million. That sum works out around $100,000 a season less than the Dragons have indicated they would be willing to spend on the player.
A Dragons official confirmed the club’s interest in Utoikamanu when contacted by the Herald on Friday.
The Canberra Raiders have also entered the race for his signature. The Raiders are preparing for life after Josh Papalii and have indicated they would be able to spend more than the Tigers have offered.
Sources with knowledge of the situation, talking on the condition of anonymity, told the Herald the Raiders – like the Dragons – would be willing to spend $900,000 per season to bring Utoikamanu to the nation’s capital.
The Melbourne Storm have also been keeping tabs on the situation and are preparing to make a play for the 24-year-old. The Bulldogs are exploring other options and aren’t willing to spend top dollar on a front-rower.
A unique clause in Utoikamanu’s contract will see him become a free agent if he didn’t play two State of Origin games this year or the Tigers missed the top eight. Utoikamanu was not selected for the first two Origin games, and the Tigers are only a slim chance of playing finals.
Utoikamanu decided against accepting the Tigers’ offer of an extension and met with chief executive Shane Richardson and coach Benji Marshall last week to inform them of his desire to explore the market at the end of the season.
The Tigers instead gave him permission to begin negotiations immediately, resulting in a conversation between the Dragons and his management.
Utoikamanu has told the club that he enjoys life under Marshall but also harbours a desire to play finals football. The club has been attempting to convince him he can do that in the near future at the Wests Tigers.
The Tigers’ offer, which averages out about $800,000 per year, is less than the $900,000 figure previous chief executive Justin Pascoe indicated the club would be willing to spend to retain the prop.
