‘A big part of our future’: Wests Tigers lock in young star until 2029

The Wests Tigers have locked in boom 18-year-old Heamasi Makasini for an additional two seasons.

Confirming the extension of his current contract, it means Makasini will now be at Concord until at least the end of the 2029 NRL season.

The news keeps the young gun off the NRL market come November 1 and perhaps just as importantly also puts to bed any risk of the NRL losing one of its most talented young backline stars to rugby union for at least three years.

Wests Tigers 2024 Harold Matthews Cup Player of the Year, Makasini has progressed quickly through Harold Matthews, SG Ball, Jersey Flegg, NSW Cup and now the NRL after his making his debut earlier this season.

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This time last year he was completing his HSC at Newington College and starring in the GPS rugby union competition but any thoughts of a professional career in the 15-man game are off the table — at least for now.

“I love playing here and I’m loving being a part of what we’re building,” Makasini said of his extension in a Tigers club statement.

“It’s where I’ve played all my junior footy and I want to be a part of bringing the Club success,” Makasini said.

Tigers head coach, Benji Marshall said it was exciting to have Makasini committed to the club until 2029.

“Heamasi is a special talent who we feel is a big part of our future, and we’re looking forward to seeing him develop here,” Marshall said.

Makasini makes his return to the Tigers’ NRL lineup this weekend having been out since Round 8 with bone bruising in his foot.

‘A big part of our future’: Wests Tigers lock in young star until 2029

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