SEN NRL expert Tim Mannah has heaped praise on NSW Blues debutant Stefano Utoikamanu ahead of his first appearance in Origin for Game II.
Utoikamanu has been waiting in the wings for his Origin debut since his first invitation to Blues camp in last year’s series and has taken the spot of Bulldogs enforcer Tevita Pangai Jr.
Despite only playing 42 NRL games, the 23-year-old has impressed during his stint at the Tigers and has been touted as one of the game’s brightest prospects.
“I love Stefano, he’s going to be another Payne Haas for NSW,” Mannah told SEN 1170 Mornings.
“He’s got that big engine, big body, he’s hard to handle and he’s a great kid as well, and he’s a really good human which makes him even more special.
“I’m surprised to see him in this early, I also knew he was going to play Origin but I’m really happy for him.”
Mannah admitted it was a gutsy call for Fittler to pick Utoikamanu with the experienced options that were at his disposal.
“It’s a pretty gutsy call by Freddy (Fittler) because there was calls to bring in Spencer Leniu, which I thought they were going to lean that way,” Mannah added.
“Panagai Jr. didn’t do his selection any favours yesterday, he got caught out by Mitch Moses a few times, which really exposed him in defence.
“Stefan (is a) great selection, he’s got a huge future in the Origin arena but it probably came a bit sooner than I expected.”
Utoikamanu has been named to start on the bench for the Blues in Game II on Wednesday the 21st of June in Brisbane.