Broncos respond to Storm star's 'stuck up' barb ahead of NRL grand final

[ad_1] Brisbane is refusing to enter a pre-NRL grand ultimate sledging match with Stefano Utoikamanu after the Melbourne Storm prop described Broncos gamers as "caught up".

Utoikamanu lit the fuse for Sunday's grand ultimate at Stadium Australia earlier this week when he implied members of Brisbane's squad had been boastful.

The normally mild-mannered Storm front-rower additionally mentioned he couldn't wait to "run over" Broncos gamers.

Storm enforcer places goal on 'caught up' Broncos forward of NRL grand ultimate Melbourne prop Stefano Utoikamanu lights the fuse for an explosive NRL grand ultimate on Sunday, setting his sights on steamrolling "stuck-up" Brisbane opponents.

It stays unclear who Utoikamanu was referring to along with his feedback, however the likes of Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam have beforehand been accused by critics of getting a 'rockstar' perspective.

Walsh, Mam and Utoikamanu had been booed by supporters at grand-final fan day at Sydney's Round Quay on Thursday.

Brisbane coach Michael Maguire, who labored with Utoikamanu at Wests Tigers, has made some extent of defending his gamers' character.

He mentioned Utoikamanu's feedback would largely go unnoticed.

"My gamers have gotten their very own motivations," Maguire advised reporters.

"They have been very dialled in for the final couple of months.

"We have actually targeted much more on ourselves and something that goes on round us.

"I feel that is one of many explanation why we're the place we're. I do know that the gamers will try this and can simply work exhausting collectively."

Patrick Carrigan is getting back from suspension for the Broncos. ( Getty Photos: Ian Hitchcock )

Patrick Carrigan, who has returned to Maguire's beginning facet after lacking the preliminary-final win over Penrith with suspension, mentioned the Broncos took Utoikamanu's barb with a grain of salt.

"It would not actually trouble me, I feel it is all the time a part of life," he mentioned.

"Individuals say and take into consideration you what they need.

"I simply know that I like enjoying footy with these boys and turning up daily and dealing exhausting.

"We all know that we have got a job to do and that is about locking into our position and enjoying our model of footy."

Storm coach Craig Bellamy mentioned he was "shocked" by Utoikamanu's feedback as he appears to steer the membership to their first premiership within the post-Cameron Smith period.