‘Untapped potential’: Shawn Blore had the best year of his life in 2024, now he’s tipping the same for Stefano Utoikamanu at the Storm

Shawn Blore enjoyed the best year of his young career at the Storm last season, and it’s why he’s warned the rest of the NRL that new recruit Stefano Utoikamanu is set for something special as he begins his “golden opportunity” in Melbourne.

Utoikamanu was one of the most sought-after props on the market last year, with the Storm edging out the Bulldogs to sign the one-time Blues forward on a three-year deal.

The 24-year-old is seen as the missing piece of the puzzle at a Storm side that is overflowing with superstars in key positions but fell short in the grand final where the Panthers dominated the middle.

Man mountain Nelson Asofa-Solomona missed that match through suspension, while veteran Christian Welch was medically retired last month, with Utoikamanu tipped to provide the star power up front that they’ve been missing.

He had some terrific games at the Wests Tigers but is now ready to take the next step in his career, with the big man showing off his power with a try in the Storm’s second pre-season match.

“He probably has that sense of having untapped potential,” Blore said.

“You could probably use me as an example of coming down and playing good footy, so for him, this is a golden opportunity.

“I remember sending him a message after the grand final and said this is the place you want to be if you want to be a great player.

“The amount of care and love they have for you here is second to none, and so far in the pre-season, he’s been playing like he’s been here for five years.

“You saw a taste of what he can do in the trials, but honestly, that’s nothing for him.”

The minor premiers will be just about unbeatable if their star recruit follows in Blore’s footsteps after the back-rower went from winning six games in his first three seasons with the Tigers to starting in a grand final.

Blore had career highs in all the major stats last season as he averaged 73 minutes per game on the left edge and turned into a genuine weapon in attack. Her also earnt a Test debut with Samoa.

“I knew I had a good game of footy in me, but I just needed someone to get it out of me,” he said, with Blore finishing in the top 10 for offloads in the NRL last year.

“I still feel like I’m at the tip of the iceberg in terms of getting better and playing even better footy than I have been.

“When I look at last year, of course I look at it as a successful season, but I still feel there’s a lot more left in me that I don’t really know that’s there.

“I’m grateful for the season that I had, but it makes me even more excited for the season coming ahead.”