NRL 2024: Wests Tigers sign Heamasi Makasini to three-year deal

Benji Marshall and the Wests Tigers are continuing to rebuild for the future, signing sought-after teenager Heamasi Makasini to a three-year deal.

The Wests Tigers have landed a key signing after convincing teenager Heamasi Makasini to reject Rugby Australia and sign a new three-year deal with the NRL club.

Makasini turned his back on interest from Rugby Australia and rival NRL clubs to pledge his future to the Tigers in a huge coup for the chief executive Shane Richardson and coach Benji Marshall.

“We’re extremely excited to have Heamasi as part of the Wests Tigers family for the next three years,” 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 and his family said they were grateful for the opportunity and optimistic about the future of Wests Tigers.

Wests Tigers rising star Heamasi Makasini. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

“As a family, we give thanks to God for His blessings, and we are humbled and overwhelmed by this amazing opportunity,” Heamasi’s mother, Tupou said.

“We are very confident that Heamasi will develop and grow as a player under the guidance and support of Benji, and we look forward to the journey ahead.”

Makasini is currently in New Zealand touring with the Australian Under-18s rugby development squad. He scored a double in their 57-47 win over the NZ Barbarians in their first tour match, and crossed for another as they defeated the New Zealand Schools side 38-31 on Sunday.

The 17-year-old Newington College student was named Harold Matthews Cup player of the year in 2024, scoring 92 points and finishing as the leading try scorer with 10 tries from as many games.

Heamasi will move into Wests Tigers top 30 in 2026.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Wests Tigers sign Heamasi Makasini to three-year deal