Stefano Utoikamanu has sent a warning to club teammate Cameron Munster, urging the Maroons to kick the ball straight to him next week in Perth.
The gun front-rower earned a recall to the NSW Blues team after two years and will come off the bench in game two against Queensland.
Utoikamanu has relished his move to the Melbourne Storm this year and it didn’t come as a surprise to see the former Wests Tigers star excel in the Craig Bellamy system.
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The 25-year-old will join a front-row rotation that includes Payne Haas, Max King and Spencer Leniu, with the latter expected to bring his trademark impact off the bench.
Speaking to 9News on the first day of camp, Utoikamanu admitted he wasn’t mentally ready for his State of Origin debut in 2023 – but this time will be different.
Stefano Utoikamanu during Blues camp/ Getty
“I feel like mentally I’m more aware of my job, especially coming off the bench,” he said.
“I came off the bench that year and didn’t really play too long. This arena has all the elite players and when you come off the bench, you’ve got to make an impact.
“I got a bit too nervous and played the game before I even got on. When you play the game like that, you’re a bit rattled straight away … you’re drained a little bit. I think this time around, I’m just looking to make it simple and focus on my role.
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“I was probably too much in my head about everything that’s happening.
“I’m at the Melbourne Storm now and there’s pressure every week … it helps you play better. Melbourne has made me a better player.”
Utoikamanu will be the only Storm player in the Blues team, but the big bopper will see some familiar faces on the other side of the field.
Harry Grant, Trent Loiero and Xavier Coates have all been named to start for Queensland – but there’s one man that Utoikamanu is keen to get stuck into the most.
Cameron Munster during the series opener. Getty
“If they’re kicking off, I want them to kick it to me … I want to run straight at Munster,” the quiet Storm prop said.
“I feel like taking my first carry will help me get into the game. It probably makes me a bit angry when someone is trying to rush at me and put a shot on me.
“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.”
Munster was announced as Maroons captain after the axing of Daly Cherry-Evans.
