The Wests Tigers have continued an impressive off-season by inking an extension for promising forward Stefano Utoikamanu.
The 21-year-old established himself as one of the game’s premier young forwards in 2021, with the Tigers today announcing he has re-signed until the end of the 2025 season.
“We’re all very pleased to see Stefano re-sign with Wests Tigers,” coach Michael Maguire said.
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“His decision to commit his future to Wests Tigers further highlights what we are building at the club and I’m sure that Stefano will play a big part in delivering that.”
The Parramatta junior arrived at the Tigers in 2021, after three games as a teenager for the Eels the year prior.
“He has continued to work hard at all aspects of his game, and I look forward to seeing him continue to improve over the coming seasons,” Maguire said.
Utoikamanu’s form earned him a call-up to the extended squad for the NSW Blues during last year’s State of Origin series, and he will now be a permanent fixture in a young forward pack for the foreseeable future.
“On behalf of all at Wests Tigers, I’d like to congratulate Stefano on his contract extension that will see him remain at the club for the next four seasons,” club CEO Justin Pascoe said.
“He is a great young man who constantly displays all the core values we want Wests Tigers to be known by, and I look forward to watching him play a leading role in the success of this club moving forward.”
The Tigers also extended the contract of Alex Twal late last year, while signing Dally M backrower of the year Isaiah Papali’i from the Eels.
He’ll arrive at the club in 2023 alongside premiership-winning hooker Api Koroisau, who they snared from the Panthers.
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