Melbourne Storm prop Stefano Utoikamanu has lit the fuse for NRL Grand Final week with a fiery response to questions about the Brisbane Broncos.
The Storm enforcer has accused the Broncos of arrogance and declared he can’t wait to take the first hit-up on Sunday.
“I’m keen to go out there and run someone over,” Utoikamanu told the Daily Telegraph.
“I don’t want to name names, but there are a lot of people at the Broncos I think are a bit stuck up,” he added.
Utoikamanu doubled down on his comments and looks set to lead the Storm pack into battle, where he will be up against arguably the best front-rower in the world, Broncos colossus Payne Haas.
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It’s the first verbal shot fired in the lead-up to this year’s Grand Final, which already promises to be physical affair, and the tension could escalate further if the war of words continues before kick-off.
The clash will be Utoikamanu’s first Grand Final appearance since joining the Storm from the Wests Tigers in a high-profile move south.
After a slow start, Utoikamanu has found his stride as the season progressed, playing State of Origin and becoming one of the standout props of the finals series.
His comments didn’t go unnoticed in Brisbane, with opposite number Payne Haas quick to fire back.
“I don’t care to be honest. They can think what they think,” Haas said.
“We are who we are and you can’t change that. They have a certain image of us down there, so it is what it is. We’ll see what happens.”
Other Broncos, including superstar fullback Reece Walsh, also rejected the claims, insisting the team is misunderstood and that only those within the tight-knit playing group understand their unity and commitment.
Utoikamanu’s remarks are unusual for a Craig Bellamy-coached side, with the Storm typically careful not to hand rivals extra motivation before a big game.
Whether it’s confidence or inexperience on the big stage remains to be seen, but Utoikamanu will need to back up his words on Sunday.
Based on his dominant form throughout the finals, that may not be an issue, as both forward packs prepare for a collision that is already starting to simmer.