Wests Tigers have moved early to keep Stefano Utoikamanu at Concord long-term, extending the impressive young prop's NRL deal until the end of 2025.
The 21-year-old, who featured in the extended NSW squad for State of Origin III last season, has signed for an extra two years having already been contracted for 2022 and 2023.
Utoikamanu began to justify the hype he generated as a junior in his first campaign for the Tigers in 2021, averaging 97 metres and 28 tackles in 21 appearances and eventually securing a starting spot.
With 33-year-old captain and front-rower James Tamou potentially departing when his contract expires after this season, Utoikamanu has been earmarked as the leader of the Tigers' pack.
"We're all very pleased to see Stefano re-sign with Wests Tigers," coach Michael Maguire said.
"His decision to commit his future to Wests Tigers further highlights what we are building at the club and I'm sure that Stefano will play a big part in delivering that.
"He has continued to work hard at all aspects of his game, and I look forward to seeing him continue to improve over the coming seasons."
Having forked out big money to lure Utoikaumanu from Parramatta before he made his first-grade debut for the Eels in 2020, the Tigers are now hoping the New Zealand-born forward will help them back the finals.
"He is a great young man who constantly displays all the core values we want Wests Tigers to be known by, and I look forward to watching him play a leading role in the success of this club moving forward," CEO Justin Pascoe said.
