The Sydney Roosters have emerged as the surprise favourites to sign Melbourne Storm prop Stefano Utoikamanu when the NRL’s November 1 free agency window opens, according to News Corp.
Fox Sports reported on Wednesday, citing The Daily Telegraph, that Utoikamanu has been offered a contract extension by Storm coach Craig Bellamy but is yet to sign it.
The 26-year-old is contracted to Melbourne for 2027. The report said the Roosters want him to take over from Lindsay Collins as their forward leader from 2028, once his current deal ends.
According to the report, Utoikamanu could command about $1 million a season on the open market.
Roosters have room to move
The Roosters have cap space after losing players including Mark Nawaqanitawase, Daly Cherry-Evans, Angus Crichton, Connor Watson and Daniel Tupou for 2027 and beyond. The same report said they are also chasing Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth.
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Utoikamanu’s interest in Bondi has been floated before. Journalist Buzz Rothfield said on Triple M’s Saturday Scrum that the prop’s management had contacted the Roosters more than once, as reported by LiSTNR.
Focused on the World Cup
Utoikamanu is currently with Tonga at the Rugby League World Cup and told The Daily Telegraph that his future can wait.
“There’s nothing to really say about that. I’m just kind of focusing on my footy now, and after this, I’ll sit down with my manager,” he said.
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Melbourne are keen to keep Utoikamanu, whom the report described as the Storm’s best big man. Neither club had commented publicly on the report at the time of writing.
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