Young Gun Makasini Lights Up Valentine’s Day with Tigers Stunner
Valentine’s Day might have been about romance for many across the nation, but for Wests Tigers fans, February 14th was dedicated to falling head over heels for a rising star: Heamasi Makasini. The 18-year-old sensation is already being touted as a potential dominant force in the NRL for the next decade, after an electrifying performance in the Tigers’ thrilling 42-26 comeback victory over the Roosters.
Despite conceding the opening three tries in Newcastle, the Tigers staged a remarkable turnaround, with Makasini at the forefront of the resurgence. In just 52 minutes of action, the powerhouse outside back showcased his electrifying talent, amassing an impressive 110 metres, busting six tackles, and crossing for a spectacular hat-trick. This performance has only amplified the early hype surrounding the youngster, who made his NRL debut in the final round of last year, scoring a try that hinted at his immense potential. When given early possession on Saturday, Makasini demonstrated his strength and agility by smashing through three defenders to put his side on the scoreboard, igniting the comeback.
While his preferred position remains a talking point – whether he’ll slot into centre or patrol the wing – Tigers coach Benji Marshall is undoubtedly aware he possesses one of the brightest prospects in the game, regardless of where he deploys him. Makasini proved his versatility on Saturday, excelling in both roles on the left edge.
However, Makasini’s brilliance was almost overshadowed by winger Faaletino Tavana, who scored what could be one of the most memorable tries in recent memory. With incredible athleticism, Tavana contorted his body on the very edge of the corner post, miraculously keeping his feet airborne while managing to plant the ball down for a spectacular four-pointer.
Key Combinations and Utility Value
Amidst the excitement surrounding new signings, there were initial concerns that the arrival of Daly Cherry-Evans might push utility player Hugo Savala out of contention for a Round 1 spot. However, Savala has made it clear he’s not giving up on securing his place in the team. He demonstrated his value early in the match, setting up the opening try for Junior Pauga with a clever face ball. Calls are now emerging for Savala to transition into the middle of the field, potentially offering a different dynamic alongside the expected halves pairing of Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker.
“He offers utility value, there’s no doubt about that,” commented former Roosters halfback Cooper Cronk during the broadcast. “But I think he could offer value through the middle of the field, maybe in that ball-playing 13 role when there’s fatigue. His defence is strong and he’s a big body so I think that’s where he’ll add value to the Roosters. He’ll be in the 17 most weeks.” This suggests Savala could be a valuable asset for the Roosters, providing depth and versatility across various positions.
Recruit Watch: Tigers Secure Panthers Talent
Wests Tigers fans are eagerly anticipating what Jahream Bula will deliver beyond 2026, but their future looks brighter with the emergence of exciting young talent ready to seize opportunities. The club has made a significant move by raiding the Panthers to secure the services of former Australian Schoolboys star Jack Attard. The young fullback has already impressed, displaying promising signs with four tackle busts in the first half as he actively sought possession.
On the Roosters’ side, while Tommy Talau missed the crucial tackle for Makasini’s opening try, he is considered an astute signing. Talau brings a wealth of experience to the team and is expected to feature in first-grade games throughout the current year.
Rookie Watch: New Faces Emerge
A palpable buzz is building in the eastern suburbs, and it’s not just the persistent hum of sports cars that can sometimes test residents’ patience. Rex Bassingthwaighte has been the subject of considerable discussion all off-season, and he’s now shown the NRL world that he could indeed be the long-term successor to James Tedesco at fullback. The rookie custodian provided two line-break assists in the first half and was instrumental in a play that began with Toby Rodwell and culminated in Tom Rodwell sliding over for a try.
Another young talent generating excitement among Tigers fans is Jared Haywood. The talented dummy-half showcased his impressive footwork with a deceptive step to score just before halftime, narrowing the gap to four points and demonstrating his potential to be a key player for the club.
Hot Take: Makasini a Dally M Contender?
Given his explosive start and undeniable talent, it’s not too far-fetched to suggest that Heamasi Makasini might need to start preparing his acceptance speech for the Dally M Rookie of the Year Award. If his current trajectory continues, he could be on stage collecting the prestigious accolade come Grand Final week.
Final Say: A Crucial Test Awaits the Tigers
The upcoming week presents a significant challenge for the Wests Tigers as they prepare to face a likely full-strength Penrith Panthers side. This fixture holds particular importance for the Tigers, especially considering they have a Round 1 bye. They will be keen to build momentum and establish strong combinations with their key players back in the fold, making this game a crucial test of their preparedness and potential for the season ahead.
