The Dragons have emerged as a leading contender to lure Wests Tigers star Stefano Utoikamanu as the club prepares to table the prop a multi-year $4.5 million deal.
Utoikamanu was granted permission by the Tigers on Wednesday to explore options with rival clubs as he looks set to become a free agent at the end of the 2024 season.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Dragons have opened discussions with the 24-year-old as the Raiders and Storm express further interest in signing the star.
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The Herald reported earlier this month that the Tigers tabled a five-year deal worth $4 million to Utoikamanu, however, the Dragons have indicated they would be willing to spend a further $100,000 a season on the player.
A Dragons official confirmed the club’s interest with the Herald on Friday.
Utoikamanu has been linked to make the move to multiple clubs after publicly expressing his desire to land at a winning organisation after a horror run with the Tigers in recent years.
The Raiders are continuing to pursue the race for Utoikamanu’s signature, with the club preparing for their future without Josh Papalii.
Canberra have also indicated that they can offer more than the Tigers, with reports the club is willing to spend $900,000 per season to bring Utoikamanu to the nation’s capital.
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The Melbourne Storm remain in the loop of the New Zealand-born star’s situation and are reportedly preparing to begin negotiations.
Utoikamanu decided against accepting the Tigers’ offer to extend, meeting with chief executive Shan Richardson and coach Benji Marshall last week to inform them of his future.