Stefano Utoikamanu

Injury-hit Eels blood young giant Stefano as Tigers tussle looms

Utoikamanu, viewed as a potential star after impressing for NSW in the State of Origin under-20 clash last year, was the subject of a tug-of-war between Parramatta and the Tigers in the off-season with the joint-venture club trying to get him a year early after signing him for 2021.

He will make his long-awaited Telstra Premiership debut on Sunday and could be lining up against his future club in round 11 with Parramatta missing four middle forwards after a string of mid-season injuries.