The Stefano Utoikamanu call Benji Marshall must make as Wests Tigers confirm forward’s exit

Stefano Utoikamanu‘s departure from Wests Tigers is either a huge slap in the face to a directionless NRL club or a blessing in disguise. It all depends on where you sit. To paraphrase a line from ex-Tigers coach Ivan Cleary, the club invited Utoikamanu aboard the Benji Marshall rebuild bus but the one-time NSW prop decided he prefers a different destination.

It now appears a race in two between Canterbury and Melbourne for his signature. The Tigers’ official response to Stefano Utoikamanu’s departure says a lot about their thoughts on the situation. The 33-word statement read: “Wests Tigers prop Stefano Utoikamanu has decided to leave the club at the end of the 2024 NRL season.

“Wests Tigers wish Stefano and his family the very best with their future endeavours.” There was no explanation to fans on the whys, hows or ins and outs. This is a young front-rower who’s just turned down $800,000 after being talked up as the future of the club.

The Tigers’ reaction was cold, clinical and calculated. You don’t want to be part of the Benji revolution, so be it. Just don’t expect us to mourn your loss. If the Tigers are serious about sending an even stronger message, Marshall needs to punt Utoikamanu to NSW Cup for the rest of the season.

Stefano Utoikamanu becomes the latest Tiger to jump ship

Why put more NRL games under his belt to help his next club? On the surface, it’s been a bad week for the coach. John Bateman has departed for the Super League, taking up a short-term deal at Warrington which could become permanent.

Now Utoikamanu has basically said he doesn’t see the Tigers becoming a viable finals proposition under Marshall. Earlier, Isaiah Papali’i and Jake Simpkin were deemed surplus to needs and have either left (Simpkin) or will do at the end of the year (Papali’i).