Melbourne Storm forward Stefano Utoikamanu has taken aim at the Brisbane Broncos ahead of Sunday's NRL Grand Final, describing several players as 'a bit stuck up'. The 25-year-old, who joined the Storm from the Tigers in the off-season, said he was looking forward to running at opponents he does not like.
Utoikamanu helped the Storm beat Brisbane 22-2 in round 23 but was rested for the round 27 match, which the Broncos won 30-14 to secure a top-four spot. 'There are a lot of people I don't like on this team,' he said. 'I don't want to name names. There are a lot of people I think are a bit stuck up.'
Broncos prop Payne Haas dismissed the comments, saying: 'I don't really care what they say to be honest. It is what it is, they can say what they want, we'll just focus on ourselves.' Brisbane are chasing their first premiership in almost two decades after losing last year's decider 26-24 to Penrith.
Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes, returning from a fractured arm, said his side was focused on their own game. 'We think if we can focus on ourselves and get ourselves in the best stead, we can give it a really good shake on Sunday,' he said. Five-eighth Cameron Munster laughed off praise from his manager, saying: 'He's probably just trying to pump my ties up.'
