Rugby league legend Gorden Tallis has labelled Tigers middle Stefano Utoikamanu “overhyped” and believes he isn’t worth the bidding frenzy his signature is getting.
Tallis believes the 24-year-old’s status in the game isn’t at the level he perhaps feels it is, stating he doesn’t feel Utoikamanu has “earnt the stripes to be shopping himself around”.
When asked by host Braith Anasta if the young prop is overhyped, Tallis insisted: “Yeah, absolutely he’s overhyped.”
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It comes as reports emerge that the Melbourne Storm are front-runners for the former NSW Blues representative’s signature after offering a $4 million, five-year deal to the Eels junior.
The Maroons legend stressed that no matter what club Utoikamanu plays for, his role won’t change.
“His footy is not going to change,” he said.
“I know front rowers and I’ve played with all of them. Whether you play at a bottom club or whether you play at a top club, your job is exactly the same.”
Should Utoikamanu’s move to Melbourne eventuate, Tallis believes he won’t find a better playing situation given the club’s “spine is unbelievable.”
Fox League’s Paul Crawley disagreed Utoikamanu is overhyped, stating “a club like Melbourne is interested for a reason.”
“Because he’s got potential.”
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The towering prop, who is averaging 95 metres per game this season, departure leaves many questioning what the future of the Wests Tigers looks like.
Isaiah Papali’i has signed with the Penrith Panthers for next season and both Utoikamanu and John Bateman could be following the former Eels star out the door before the end of this year.
Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva will join the club next year, but Benji Marshall’s side will be light on forwards, with Crawley asking “who’s going to build the highway for Jarome to play off the back of?”
Despite this, Crawley believes Utoikamanu would be making the right decision to leave the Tigers for a club as prestigious as the Storm.
“If he stays at the Tigers he could have to question where his career is going to go,” he said.
“Because at the moment the Tigers are a club where your career goes to die.
“If you’re a young forward and you’ve got an option to stay at the Tigers and prove yourself or go and play for Bellamy and win premierships or compete for premierships. It’s an easy choice.”
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Source Agencies
