Heamasi Makasini signs three-year deal with Wests Tigers Youngster just starred for the Australian under 18s
In a cruel blow to Rugby Australia, talented youngster Heamasi Makasini has penned a three-year deal to remain with the Wests Tigers.
Makasini signed the deal just a day after starring for the Australian under 18s in their first victory over New Zealand Schools since 2019.
The highly-touted teenager scored a try during the match, before committing to rugby league.
Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall is a huge fan of Makasini, who has been outstanding for Wests Magpies Harold Matthews Cup team.
‘He is one of the best young talents that we have who has progressed his way through our development programs,’ Marshall said.
‘He is very humble, respectful and is a good young man. Being able to secure Heamasi’s signature for the next three seasons is a massive boost for our club and the direction we are heading.’
Makasini’s teammates, Heinz Lemoto and Rex Bassingthwaighte, will also face challenging decisions about their future in rugby.
Australian Under-18s coach Shannon Fraser spoke to The Sydney Morning Herald about the battle RA has on their hands to keep young stars.
Talented youngster Heamasi Makasini (pictured left) has penned a three-year deal to remain with the Wests Tigers
Makasini signed the deal just a day after starring for the Australian under 18s
‘It’s going to be player choice, and we can’t kid ourselves that these kids don’t have other options,’ Fraser said.
‘I think we’ve got an ability to provide meaningful competitions, we provide exposure to regular international rugby, we compete around the world.
‘You can play for your country on an international stage and [with] some of the greatest sporting events in the world, that’s not insignificant.
‘We’ve just got to create a healthy experience for our young players that challenges them but also rewards them with these life experiences of playing at the top and playing around the world.’
Fraser stressed that Lemoto, Makasini and Bassingthwaighte were emerging stars.
Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall is excited about the future of Makasini
‘They’re hugely talented players, all slightly different … and I think that comes with a level of confidence,’ Fraser said.
‘They’re well prepared in relation to their training and their recovery and getting up to speed on their knowledge [of the game] … they’re confident, they back themselves.
‘They’re very self-assured of their abilities and you sort of see that in the way that they play.’
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Teen prodigy Heamasi Makasini commits to three-year deal with Wests Tigers in savage blow to Rugby Australia
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