Api Koroisau, the captain of the Wests Tigers, wants colleague Stefano Utoikamanu to stay with the squad for the remainder of his career, but the seasoned hooker is unwilling to become one of the “millions of people” who dictate what the in-demand prop should do.
Though it seems improbable since they’re stuck in 16th place with just two wins, Utoikamanu has get-out clauses if they don’t make the finals. He can choose to stay with the Tigers until 2025.
Utoikamanu, 24, who made his Blues debut off the bench in game two of last year, was left off for the opening series. If he doesn’t play two State of Origin matches this season, he can also sign with another club.
According to reports, the Tigers have extended an offer to him that is roughly $800,000 per season, and his teammates would really like for him to stay as the team seeks to rebuild under new manager Benji Marshall.
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We have no control over it, Koroisau remarked.
Being in this position is strange because, despite his youth, he is clearly a fantastic rugby league player and athlete. It’s one of those situations where you just have to live day by day.
“Although he’s a young man and needs to take care of himself, I hope he’s a Tiger for life in the end.”
“I enjoy playing next to him. Stef, please stay!
Although Koroisau is eager to play with Utoikamanu in the future, he is aware that too many adults offering the young man advice could work against him.
“I feel like it would be intrusive people trying to tell me to stay or what I should do, because I put myself in that situation,” he added.
He must have a million people calling his ear right now. Naturally, I make jokes about it because it helps me cope. I’m attempting to keep him around in this way.
Tigers’ prop Alex Twal has urged his colleague to make the greatest choice for his young family and stated that he will support Utoikamanu in his decision-making.
It’s not really my place to talk to him privately or give him advice.
Ultimately, your family comes first and everything else is secondary, therefore I urge each and every player on the team to act in their own best interests.
“I have no doubt that he will choose what is best for his family and himself. He’s starting a small family there since his wife recently gave birth to another child. I’ll be there for him no matter what choice he makes, first and foremost as a supportive friend and teammate.”
