Tigers fend off rivals to retain exciting young talent

One of the game’s brightest young prospects has rejected a potential switch to rugby union, instead committing his future to the Wests Tigers in a major retention win for the club as it continues to build its roster for the long term.

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Heamasi Makasini has reportedly signed a new two-year extension with the Tigers according to CODE Sports, turning down the opportunity to explore rugby union and ensuring he remains part of the club’s emerging core.

The 18-year-old was due to become free to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1 but has now opted to remain at the Tigers, in a significant show of faith in the club’s direction.

Makasini made his NRL debut last season while still at school and featured in the opening six games of this year before being sidelined since Round 7 with a stress fracture in his foot.

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He is expected to return to action in the coming weeks and will play a key role in the Tigers’ run home as they push to finish the season strongly and make the finals for the first time since 2010.

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The youngster burst onto the scene during the pre-season trials, including a standout performance against Penrith where he scored a powerful try and drew comparisons with rugby union legend Jonah Lomu after running over multiple defenders, including Dylan Edwards.

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The Tigers have worked to ensure Makasini was not tempted by a move to rugby union despite reported interest, with the Newington College graduate previously indicating some level of interest in the 15-man code.

His re-signing continues a strong retention period for the Tigers, who have also secured several key players long-term as part of their broader rebuild following the shock departure of Jarome Luai to PNG.

The club will now turn its attention to extending other emerging stars, with Samuela Fainu and Latu Fainu among the next priorities in their retention strategy and firmly in the sights of coach Benji Marshall and the Tigers’ hierarchy.

After unearthing so many young talents in the past only to lose them to rival clubs, the Tigers could be set for a golden era with so much of their youth not only progressing to first grade, but showing enough promise to develop into stars within the next few seasons.

It is enough to give Tigers fans renewed optimism, and potentially end the 15-year drought since the club last tasted finals football.

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