Wests Tigers star Stefano Utoikamanu walks out of struggling club

Wests Tigers star Stefano Utoikamanu has sensationally walked out on the struggling club, telling teammates he will leave Concord at the end of the 2024 season.

The powerful front rower had been seen as the future of the Tigers under rookie coach Benji Marshall, but has reportedly become dismayed after a string of poor performances.

Utoikamanu had clauses in his contract that allowed him to leave should the Tigers not make the finals in 2024. The besieged club is staring down the barrel of a third straight wooden spoon.

Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson confirmed the damaging prop informed the club of his decision on Monday.

“Wests Tigers prop Stefano Utoikamanu has decided to leave the club at the end of the 2024 NRL season,” the Tigers said in a statement.

“Wests Tigers wish Stefano and his family the very best with their future endeavours.”

It was not immediately clear which club Utoikamanu would head to next, but reports suggest the Bulldogs and Melbourne Storm lead the race for his signature.