Overview
- Melbourne prop Stefano Utoikamanu said several Brisbane players were "a bit stuck up" and declared he wants the opening carry to "run someone over" in Sunday’s decider at Accor Stadium.
- Brisbane stars Reece Walsh and Payne Haas publicly brushed off the comments, with Walsh saying he "couldn’t care less" and Haas insisting actions would decide the talking.
- Storm great Cameron Smith said the outburst was unlike a Craig Bellamy-coached player and suggested Bellamy would find it "not ideal," adding Utoikamanu now must back it up on the field.
- Broncos great Corey Parker slammed the sledge as unnecessary motivation, while fellow club legend Petero Civoniceva called it refreshing and said the forward battle is now firmly in focus.
- With Nelson Asofa-Solomona suspended, Utoikamanu has been cast as Melbourne’s enforcer, sharpening attention on his matchup against Payne Haas in the grand final.