After two long years of waiting, Stefano Utoikamanu is back in Blues colours — and he’s got unfinished business.
Recalled to the NSW Origin side, the powerhouse prop is out for redemption after a brief and controversial debut in 2023 that left fans wondering what could’ve been. Now, with game two of the 2025 series looming large, Utoikamanu has a point to prove — and he’s not letting anyone get in his way.
Not even his Melbourne Storm teammates Harry Grant and Cameron Munster.
“I’ve waited for this,” Utoikamanu said. “This jersey means everything. I don’t care who’s in front of me — I’ve got a job to do.”
It’s a fiery storyline heading into a must-win clash for the Blues, who trail Queensland 1-0 in the series. Utoikamanu’s return adds muscle to a NSW forward pack that was bullied in game one. Coach Michael Maguire is backing the 24-year-old to bring the fire.
“Stef’s been burning for this chance,” Maguire said. “He’s hungry. That’s exactly what we need.”
The 2025 series just got a whole lot spicier — and if Utoikamanu has his way, there will be fireworks when he comes face-to-face with Grant and Munster on the battlefield.
