Stefano Utoikamanu has issued a challenge to his teammate Cameron Munster, asking the Maroons to kick the ball to him during the upcoming match in Perth. After two years, the talented front-rower has been called back to the NSW Blues squad and will take the field from the bench in game two against Queensland.
Utoikamanu has thrived since joining the Melbourne Storm this season, fitting seamlessly into the system under coach Craig Bellamy. The 25-year-old will be part of a formidable front-row combination that features Payne Haas, Max King, and Spencer Leniu, the latter known for his impactful play off the bench.
Reflecting on his previous experience at the State of Origin level, Utoikamanu admitted he wasn’t mentally prepared for his 2023 debut. This time around, however, he feels much more composed. “I think I’m more mentally aware of my job, especially coming off the bench,” he shared. He noted that during his previous debut, nerves got the best of him, preventing him from performing to his potential. This time, he aims to keep things simple and focus on making an immediate impact.
“I’m at the Melbourne Storm now, and there’s pressure every week, which helps me play better,” he said, crediting his club for his development as a player. Although he is the sole Storm representative in the Blues squad, he will see familiar faces in the opposing Queensland team, including Harry Grant, Trent Loiero, and Xavier Coates. However, the player he’s particularly eager to compete against is Munster.
“If they’re kicking off, I want them to kick it to me … I want to run straight at Munster,” Utoikamanu expressed. He believes that making a strong first carry will set the tone for his game. “You’ve got to tell yourself that these blokes are here to kill you, so you’ve got to kill them first – that’s my mentality.”
With Munster now captain of the Maroons, stepping into the spotlight will add another layer of intensity to their on-field rivalry. As Utoikamanu prepares for the match, he is focused on translating his competitive spirit into performance, reaffirming that his goal is to assert dominance early on.