Wests Tigers have officially secured one of the brightest young talents in rugby league with Stefano Utoikamanu to join the club from season 2021.
The 19-year-old has signed a three-year contract that will see him join Wests Tigers from the start of the 2021 season until at least the end of the 2023 season.
Born in Otahuhu, New Zealand, the towering Utoikamanu played his junior football with the Cabramatta Two Blues before progressing through the grades at Parramatta — starring at a junior representative level with New South Wales and Australian Schoolboys.
The 191cm and 115-kg forward will add another dimension to a dynamic Wests Tigers forward pack in 2021 and displays a quality move in the player market by the club.
Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe said he was pleased to have Stefano join the club in 2021.
“Stefano is a real up-and-coming talent and, as such, we’re all extremely excited to have him join Wests Tigers going forward,” Pascoe said.
“His commitment to the future of this club is a strong show of intent in what we’re building here, and I have no doubt that he will continue his development in the next 12 months.”