Tigers teammates declare schoolboy rugby sensation Heamasi Makasini ready for NRL debut
The NRL debut of Heamasi Makasini is the most anticipated for a teenager since Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii. With the prodigious teen eligible to play first grade from this week, his Tigers teammates think it’s time the schoolboy star is unleashed.
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Rugby schoolboy sensation Heamasi Makasini has shown ‘no fear’ against grown men.
It’s the reason his Wests Tigers teammates have this message for coach Benji Marshall just two days before the teenager’s 18th birthday – Makasini is ready to make his NRL debut.
From Sunday, Makasini will be eligible for NRL selection and his impending debut is the most anticipated teen call-up since that of another rugby schoolboy star in Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii for the Sydney Roosters in 2021.
A rampaging centre, Makasini has been a tearaway for the prestigious Newington College in the GPS rugby competition and a standout for the Tigers in the junior representative system.
Last month, the junior Wallaby was elevated into NSW Cup for the Western Suburbs Magpies to test his ability to take on the physicality of senior level football.
And the teen has passed with flying colours.
In his three reserve grade game, Makasini had eight tackle busts, a linebreak, a try assist and averaged 113 run metres per game.
“His yardage carries and willingness to just run at grown men has amazed me for someone his age,” centre Starford To’a said.
“He is not scared to put his body on the line when it comes to the contact.
“Playing as a centre, you have got to be skilful and have good hands and that’s something he already has. He’s got all the traits.
“You don’t want to throw someone in there too early and our coaches and high performance will ensure he is ready.
“But I don’t think anyone here would be surprised if he does get a debut before the end of the season.”
But Makasini has not just been a menace in the rugby league lower grounds and on the manicured fields of GPS schools.
The teenager’s physical presence is also being felt by his Tigers teammates at NRL training.
“He’s very strong, fast, powerful … I feel like physically he is already ready to play NRL,” forward Terrell May said.
“Even at training, he is always breaking the line, running hard.
“He just does stuff you don’t really see a 17-year-old kid do, and just very confident on the field.”
Makasini hasn’t been named in NSW Cup this weekend as he turns his attention to Newington’s campaign in the GPS First XV competition.
He’s expected to line-up against St Joseph’s College on Saturday, the eve of his 18th birthday.
Newington is currently third on the GPS First XV ladder with four rounds to complete before the season is finalised on August 16.
Given his schoolboy rugby commitments, any NRL debut is likely to come in the final month of the season.
But Koroisau believes Makasini would be ready to answer any SOS before then.
“He’s such a nice young kid but the bloke is like 6’5 or something, probably over 100 kilos and he’s not even 18 years old,” skipper Koroisau laughs.
“He’s such a raw talent but the talent is there.
“I don’t even think he knows or realises his true potential just yet. He’s a really exciting prospect.
“Honestly, even though he’s a big boy he is also very agile.
“His strength too, he is crazy strong. The way he moves, he’s very silky and has pretty good footwork.
“He’s one of those guys where you just give him the ball and let him do his thing.”
And when the time comes, May believes Makasini will quickly become a household name.
“He is just so naturally gifted, and he’s going to be a bigger name in the future and even more people are going to know the name Heamasi very soon.”
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