How an Off-Season Change Led to Utoikamanu's NSW Comeback

Stefano Utoikamanu, a Westpac NSW Blues forward, has attributed his move to the Melbourne Storm to unlocking the form that earned him a State of Origin recall. 

The prop was summoned into the side for Game Two after Mitchell Barnett sustained a torn ACL, and Utoikamanu was prepared to play his second game for the Blues. 

The forward surprised many when he chose to leave the Wests Tigers in the off-season to transfer to Melbourne, citing a desire to return to the Origin stage as a crucial factor in his decision. 

"It was one of the things I looked at when I was going to leave the Wests Tigers," he explained.  "The Melbourne Storm have such a strong system, and being a part of it now, I'm glad I made the move and delighted to be here.

"There's a system there that's helped a lot of players improve.  A lot of guys go there and improve; that is not true for many teams.  Melbourne is one of those teams where you have to put in the effort, but if you do, you will improve as a player." 

Utoikamanu's NSW debut was bittersweet for the teenager, as the then-23-year-old played only 12 minutes off the bench in a 32-6 loss, with Queensland winning the shield in the process. 

Looking back, the prop admits he was overwhelmed by the situation during a complex series for the Blues. 

Utoikamanu was dropped in Game Three and now had to wait two years to make apologies.

"I've thought about that a lot," he added.  "I didn't have a true sense of what it was like to be in there.  I played 12 minutes, and it's tough coming off the bench; you have to make an effect.  It's pointless to be out there if you're not making an impact. 

"Coming off the bench, you should be fresh and ready to offer your side some energy, especially in Origin.  That's a significant role to play off the bench, and that's what I'll be looking for in this game.

"I'm glad I got another chance to go in there and show them what I can accomplish.  That first time, I felt as if I hadn't done enough.  We lost that game, but I'm glad I can come back, be around this squad, and show everyone what I'm capable of."

Utoikamanu has been picked to the NSW bench with firebrand forward Spencer Leniu, and the duo is determined to inject plenty of energy and intensity when they enter the field.

The duty also includes the obligation of expanding on the foundation laid by starting props Payne Haas and Max King during the opening 20 minutes. 

Leniu has embraced the role in four Origin outings, and Utoikamanu claimed he will follow in his teammate's footsteps as they attempt to lift their side in Perth next week. 

"He brings a lot of energy when he comes on and has those carries and has that energy about him to try and help the team," Utoikamanu told ESPN.  "That's something I can do, and he will help me."