A week spent in NSW State of Origin camp with Payne Haas has led to Stefano Utoikamanu declaring he wants to become the Wests Tigers’ answer to the non-stop Brisbane behemoth.
Utoikamanu was rewarded with a role in Brad Fittler’s extended squad for Game I in Adelaide and the Tigers prop is hopeful of one day joining Haas in the 17-man matchday squad.
Utoikamanu, 23, is enjoying his career best season to date with a Tigers side who have turned a corner and picked up three wins in their past five outings.
Like Haas did at the Broncos, Utoikamanu has endured some lean years at the Tigers but is hopeful he can continue his upward trajectory if he models himself on the durable front-rower.
“Payne is a beast, he’s probably the best prop in the game with his motor and workrate,” Utoikamanu told AAP, adding Haas was “still the best prop” in the league even when Brisbane endured their run of poor form.
“He’s a monster and he’s the prop in the game I want to be like.
“He is a big guy who leads by action and doesn’t say too much at training but on the field he runs so hard, and that’s what I want to build my game around.”
Utoikamanu has also learned plenty from Tigers teammate David Klemmer, who has previously represented NSW and Australia.
The prop says the Tigers are hopeful of making a dent this season after an upturn in form over the past month.
The Tigers were unlucky to lose to Canberra last week and on Thursday face a Gold Coast side who have made a habit of fading out of games
“We’ve got a couple of wins and we’ve started to play the way we want to play,” Utoikamanu said.
“I think when we move the ball a bit and play from all different spots on the field, and (against Canberra) it felt like we did that in the second half.
“I’ve seen the Titans’ last couple of games and they have fallen off after taking early leads.
“We don’t want to bank on that happening but if we play the long game we are confident we can get them.”
Australian Associated Press