Wests Tigers players have defended Stefano Utoikamanu’s decision to leave at the end of the season as all eyes turn to the club’s passionate supporters and how they react when he runs onto Leichhardt Oval on Thursday night.
The one-time State of Origin representative isn’t the only Tigers forward set to leave, with Isaiah Papali’i off to the Panthers, while John Bateman will finish the season in the Super League with no guarantees he’ll see out his contract. “Just because he’s moving, doesn’t mean I’m not going to like him. He’s a big boy, so if he does plan on running at me wherever he goes, I’ll make sure I’m still his friend.”
“That’s the last thing on Stef’s mind, but he knows we’re all around him and backing him, and that’s the most important thing.