Heamasi Makasini will achieve a childhood dream this weekend when he makes his NRL debut for Wests Tigers against the Titans on the Gold Coast.
A highly touted prospect coming through the Wests Tigers Pathways, keen followers of rugby league’s lower grades will be excited to see ‘Masi’ make his first appearance at NRL level.
The 18-year-old outside back has been named to start on the wing by Head Coach Benji Marshall, who delivered the news in emotional scenes after last week’s hard-fought loss to Canberra.
“It was after the game against Canberra last week,” Makasini recalled.
“They were all in the sheds and the energy was a bit down and Benji just came in and said, ‘Oh, Masi, you’ll be making your debut.’
“All the energy in the room just lifted, with all the boys cheering. It was a good feeling.”
A proud product of the club’s junior development system, Makasini becomes the latest graduate of Wests Tigers pathways to reach the top grade.
The Campbelltown City Kangaroos junior made the move from Orange to Campbelltown several years ago and has since risen through the Wests Tigers Pathways ranks, starring at Harold Matthews Cup level before being elevated through the SG Ball Cup, Jersey Flegg Cup, NSW Cup and finally, the NRL squad.
“The Tigers pretty much gave me the chance to be the footballer I am today,” he said.
“Benji and the coaches, they’re all role models and I truly see that the club is brewing to bigger and better things.
I want to be a part of that. I just love the club.
Heamasi Makasini
Makasini’s journey to his NRL debut has been anything but conventional.
Still a student at Newington College, the young outside back has juggled a full HSC workload while training part-time with Wests Tigers NRL squad.
“It wasn’t really too much of a hassle. Tigers and Newington have a pretty good relationship,” he explained.
“They would sort things out for me to come in throughout my holidays.
“They [Wests Tigers] knew I wanted to finish my schooling and rugby season first, before coming over here.”
That approach, and a carefully tailored schedule, allowed Makasini to adjust to the intensity of NRL life.
My first NRL pre-season was a big eye opener.
Heamasi Makasini
“The army camp was the biggest challenge, it was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.”
Throughout his part-time integration into the top squad, Makasini says he has made a conscious effort to learn from those around him, including co-captains Api Koroisau and Jarome Luai.
“I kind of picked their brains throughout pre-season,” he said.
“Every time I came in, I tried to get as much as I could out of them.
“Just their leadership and game knowledge. It’s been a very good experience.”
And for Makasini, having his debut come under the guidance of Benji Marshall makes the moment even more meaningful.
“It’s special to be coached under someone who’s a role model, he’s done a lot for the game as well.
“It’s an honour and privilege, I’m grateful.”
There’s no doubting what this weekend means to Makasini and to those closest to him.
“It’s been a very emotional week,” he said.
“I told my family when I got home from Canberra, face-to-face, and they were very happy and emotional.
A strong family presence is expected at Cbus Super Stadium this Saturday, with plenty of loved ones flying in to watch Masi don the Wests Tigers NRL jersey for the first time.
Makasini is the first to acknowledge the people who helped him get to this moment, especially his parents and junior coaches.
“It’ll be very special, just giving back to my parents in that way. All those long training sessions and driving me to places, they’ve sacrificed so much for me.
“I would probably shout out Shannon Gallant too. He really kicked off my journey in league. I was more into the union side of things but he pretty much moulded me into the player I am today.”
Having now completed several blocks of training in the NRL system, working alongside established stars, and featuring in NSW Cup, Makasini says he feels ready for the challenge ahead.
“Playing a few Cup games really boosted my confidence. I’m pretty comfortable and ready for this week,” he said.
“They [Benji and the coaches] just told me to go out there and be myself. I’m there for a reason and I’ve got a job to do.”
And with HSC trials now behind him and the official end of his schooling days looming in October, Makasini is clear on what’s next.
“I’m super pumped. I’ll get another full pre-season with the boys.”