The Dragons have reportedly pulled out of the race to recruit Tigers enforcer Stefano Utoikamanu after an assessment of their salary cap position.
That is according to The Daily Telegraph, who are reporting the Storm and Raiders are set to meet with the 24-year-old ahead of a potential move.
Meanwhile, the Tigers are still hopeful of retaining the talented prop, who was given permission to test the market by the merger club on June 26.
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“There’s no denying Stefano is a wonderful talent,” Flanagan said to News Corp.
“But so that we don’t waste anyone’s time we’ve opted to turn our focus elsewhere both internally and externally.”
Tigers powerbrokers have already tabled a five-year extension worth $5 million to the one-game NSW representative.
However, Utoikamanu reportedly has a desire to join a club that can compete for a title, with the Storm an attractive prospect for the middle forward.
Melbourne are considered to be short on middle forwards and would have to shuffle their salary cap to have space for Utoikamanu.
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But with doubts surrounding Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s future at the Storm, the Tigers have reportedly inquired about his availability should they lose their key prop.
Ricky Stuart and the Raiders are reportedly ready to stump up $1 million per-season for his services, looking to replace veteran Josh Papalii who is set to retire.
The Bulldogs, meanwhile, are said to be monitoring the situation but won’t be willing to enter a bidding war for the enforcer’s services.
Phil Gould has already recruited Tom Amone from the Super League ahead of the 2025 season, giving the Belmore-based club much needed middle forward reinforcements.
The Dolphins are also reportedly keeping tabs on Utoikamanu’s situation, preparing for life without Jesse Bromwich who is also set to retire at the season’s end.
