Stefano Utoikamanu
Stefano Utoikamanu (born 15 May 2000) is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a prop for the Wests Tigers in the NRL.
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Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Stefano Utoikamanu | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 15 May 2000 Otahuhu, Auckland, New Zealand | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 191 cm (6 ft 3 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 115 kg (18 st 2 lb) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Playing information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Prop | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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As of 13 May 2021 Source: [1] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Background
Utoikamanu played his junior rugby league for the Cabramatta Two Blues. Utoikamanu played for Parramatta's under 20's team in 2018 and 2019, moving into ISP competition for Wentworthville. Representing NSW under 18's and 20's teams in back to back years. And he is of Tongan & Samoan descent.
Playing career
2020
On January 29 2020, Utoikamanu signed a three-year deal with the Wests Tigers from 2021 worth $800,000.[2]
Utoikamanu made his first grade debut in round 9 of the 2020 NRL season for Parramatta against the Newcastle Knights. He came off the bench in the final ten seconds of the game and made one hit-up as Parramatta won the match 10-4. Following the game, Utoikamanu was spotted hugging and interacting with fans which was strictly against player protocols during the Covid-19 pandemic.[3][4]
2021
He made his club debut for the Wests Tigers in round 1 of the 2021 NRL season against Canberra which ended in a 12-30 defeat. He scored his first try in the NRL during round 3 of the competition as the club defeated Newcastle 24-20. On 5 July, he was called into the New South Wales squad for game 3 of the 2021 State of Origin series. He was named on the extended bench but did not feature in the match.[5]
He played a total of 22 games for the Wests Tigers in the 2021 NRL season as the club finished 13th and missed the finals.[6]
References
- Rugby League Project
- "Tug-of-war over teen giant intensifies after Eels reject Tigers release request". www.nrl.com. 29 November 2019.
- "Round 9 NRL team lists". NRL.com. 7 July 2020.
- "Eels rookie in hot water over potential breach". www.foxsports.com.au. 12 July 2020.
- Bruce, Jasper (5 July 2021). "NSW Blues announce two additions to squad for Origin III". News.com.au — Australia's Leading News Site.
- Conrad, Alex (6 October 2021). "Wests Tigers fans savage the club's new-look logo". News.com.au — Australia's Leading News Site.