Wests Tigers forward Stefano Utoikamanu will depart the club at the end of the 2024 NRL season.
The 24-year-old has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks after the Wests Tigers granted him permission to explore his options for 2025 and beyond.
While Wests Tigers officials were hopeful of retaining Utoikamanu, a number of rival teams have held discussions with the forward and the club confirmed in a statement on Monday morning that 2024 will be his last in Benji Marshall’s side.
“Wests Tigers prop Stefano Utoikamanu has decided to leave the club at the end of the 2024 NRL season,” the statement said.
“Wests Tigers wish Stefano and his family the very best with their future endeavours.”
The departure comes as the Roosters announced veteran Daniel Tupou will remain a one-club player after signing a two-year contract extension.
The deal will keep the 33-year-old at the club until the end of the 2026 season.
The Roosters’ all-time leading try-scorer and their sixth-most capped player, Tupou said it’s an honour to continue his career with the Tricolours.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be able to continue my journey with the Sydney Roosters,” Tupou said. “This is my home, and I’m honoured to have the opportunity to keep representing in the jersey that means so much to me.”
England international John Bateman has been released by Wests Tigers to join English Super League club Warrington Wolves for the remainder of the 2024 season.
Bateman remains contracted to Wests Tigers for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson commented: “John leaving Wests Tigers for the back end of the season is something that all parties are comfortable with.”
Cook Islands international Kayal Iro has signed a two-year contract extension with the Sharks, keeping the centre at the club until at least the end of 2026.
After biding his time over the past few seasons, Iro has been a revelation in 2024, having played every game since breaking into the team in Round 4.
Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon is eager to see Iro progress as he gains more experience.
“We’ve always rated Kayal extremely highly,” Fitzgibbon said.
“He worked hard while waiting for his opportunity and has taken it with both hands this year.
“Kayal is still just 15 games into his NRL career and will only get better in the seasons ahead.”
Dolphins fullback Trai Fuller has agreed to a two-year deal that elevates him to the club’s Top 30 full-time squad and will cover the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
Fuller has made a big impression on his 10 games at NRL level, scoring five tries and filling in admirably at the back for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow,
“Trai has done everything right to get himself into this position,” said Dolphins CEO Terry Reader.
“Last year he had limited opportunity in the NRL but demonstrated his talent and development by being named Player of the Year in the Queensland Cup competition.
“This season he has showed he belongs in the NRL and the new contract is the reward for that.”
Former Queensland Origin prop Jarrod Wallace is set to join Catalans in coming days, the French Super League club has announced.
The Dolphins forward will join Catalans for the remainder of the season.
Wallace began his career at Brisbane Broncos, making his NRL debut in 2012. He then made the switch to the Titans ahead of the 2017 season, where he made 118 appearances, scoring 15 tries. He moved to the Dolphins in 2023.
The 32-year-old, who played 212 NRL games and 24 tries in his career, has also represented Queensland on six occasions.
Catalans coach Steve McNamara said: “To add a player of Jarrod’s quality and experience at this stage of the season is a huge boost to our squad. The depth he will add to our forwards is much needed and we look forward to welcoming him and his family into our organization.”
Tongan strike forward Sitili Tupouniua is set to join the Bulldogs on a four-year deal after being granted a release by the Sydney Roosters at the end of the season.
Tupouniua, who made his NRL debut in 2018 after progressing through the club’s pathways, has played 96 NRL games for the Roosters, scoring 28 tries.
The 27-year-old backrower has also played three Tests for Tonga.
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