Heamasi Makasini signs Wests Tigers contract worth more than $1m while still in year 11

Heamasi Makasini, a powerful 17-year-old centre, has rejected the bundles of cash offered to him by rugby union scouts to sign a massive new deal with the Wests Tigers.

This is the richest schoolkid in Australia – a $1m rising NRL star still in year 11 at Sydney’s Newington College.

He is Heamasi Makasini, a powerful 17-year-old who spurned Australian rugby union to sign a three-year upgrade and extension at Wests Tigers.

Details remain confidential but this masthead can reveal his new deal is worth more than $1m.

And there are suggestions Makasini could play NRL as early as next season while still preparing for his HSC. He wouldn’t be eligible for NRL until he turns 18 on July 27 next year.

Still playing rugby league and rugby union, Makasini re-signed with Wests Tigers this week just a day after scoring a try in the Australian under 18s rugby union historic win over New Zealand Schools in Hamilton.

He has already been compared to a young Greg Inglis, Israel Folau and Jonah Lomu.

Despite rugby union’s desperate desire to sign him, Makasini wanted to play left centre in rugby league – and for Wests Tigers.

“Athletically, Heamasi is next level,” said Mario Tartak, Makasini’s manager. “He has just turned 17, is still in year 11, has the world at his feet and wants to be a Wests Tiger. He was signed on realistic potential.

“Benji Marshall (Wests Tigers coach) has told Heamasi and his parents that he could play NRL as soon as next year while still at school. He is very well developed.

Heamasi Makasini signing his Wests Tigers deal.

“Honestly, he’s got it all. He’s definitely a gem. He reminds some of a young Folau or a young Inglis.

“He is a Campbelltown junior and has come through the Wests Tigers’ pathways – Harold Matthews and Jersey Flegg.”

The Waratahs chased but failed to sign Makasini while former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans, now in charge of Japanese rugby side Saitama Wild Knights, met with the youngster when in Sydney during July, as revealed by this masthead.

Former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans attempted to lure Heamasi Makasini to rugby union.

“He was in awe of Robbie Deans but moving to Japan was one thing and he wanted to play with his mates at Wests Tigers,” Tartak said.

Orange-born with Tongan heritage, Makasini was on an SG Ball contract for 2025 but was upgraded and then extended for a further two seasons. He will come off contract at Concord after 2027.

Heamasi Makasini of Australia U18 scores a try during the match between Australia U8s and New Zealand Barbarians at St Paul's Collegiate School. Picture: Getty Images

Marshall added: “He is one of the best young talents that we have who has progressed his way through our development programs.”

Makasini scored 92 points, scoring ten tries in ten games, during this year’s Harold Matthews Cup and was later named player of the year. He represented the Australian under 16s rugby union side last year.

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

Originally published as Heamasi Makasini signs Wests Tigers contract worth more than $1m while still in year 11