There are going to be some frustrated partners across the country because Wests Tigers fans everywhere spent Valentine’s Day falling in love with Heamasi Makasini who could be set for something special in 2026.

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Makasini is still only 18 but he already looks like he could be a dominant force in the NRL for the next decade after he scored a hat-trick in his side’s impressive 42-26 comeback win over the Roosters.

The Tigers conceded the first three tries in Newcastle but roared back into the contest with Makasini toying with the defence with 110 metres, six tackle busts and three tries in 52 minutes of action.

The powerhouse outside back made his debut in the final round last year and scored a try to show off his potential, and the hype will only grow after he was given some early ball and smashed through three defenders to get his side on the board.

It’s unclear whether he will play centre or on the wing, but Tigers coach Benji Marshall knows he has one of the brightest prospects wherever he puts him after the young gun excelled in both roles on the left edge on Saturday.

As good as Makasini was, he was upstaged by winger Faaletino Tavana who scored one of the most remarkable tries of all time as he contorted his body on the outside of the corner post, somehow kept his feet in the air and managed to plant the ball.

“That is one of the better finishes I have ever seen… the skill and athleticism to get that try,” Cooper Cronk said in commentary, while Matt Russell added that you had to see the try “to believe it”.

Cronk’s high praise for Tigers rookie | 01:18

COMBINATIONS

There were fears the arrival of Daly Cherry-Evans would force Hugo Savala out, but the Roosters playmaker has made it clear that he isn’t giving up on a spot in the team for round one.

Savala set up the first try of the afternoon with a face ball for Junior Pauga to score, with calls for him to move into the middle of the field with Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker set to start in the halves.

“He offers utility value, there’s no doubt about that,” former Roosters halfback Cooper Cronk said in commentary.

“But I think he could offer value through the middle of the field, maybe in that ball-playing 13 role when there’s fatigue.

“His defence is strong and he’s a big body so I think that’s where he’ll add value to the Roosters. He’ll be in the 17 most weeks.”

RECRUIT WATCH

Tigers fans are waiting to see what Jahream Bula does beyond 2026, but they now have an exciting youngster ready to take his chance should an opportunity arise.

The club raided the Panthers to poach former Australian Schoolboys star Jack Attard, with the young fullback looking promising with four tackle busts in the first half as he looked for the ball wherever possible.

For the Roosters, Tommy Talau missed the tackle for the Makasini try but he’s an astute signing who brings a wealth of experience and will play first grade at some stage this year.

‘We’re a lot fitter this year” | 03:09

ROOKIE WATCH

There’s a buzz around the eastern suburbs, and it has nothing to do with the relentless hum of sports cars that frustrate residents at night.

Rex Bassingthwaighte has been the talk of the town all off-season and showed the world that he could be the man who eventually replaces James Tedesco at fullback.

The rookie fullback had two line-break assists in the first half and was involved in a play that started with Toby Rodwell and ended with Tom Rodwell sliding over for a try.

Jared Haywood is another one who Tigers fans have been talking up, with the talented dummy-half showing off his craft with a lovely step to score just before half-time to close the gap to four points.

HOT TAKE

Makasini better have a suit sorted for grand final week because there’s every chance he’ll be up on stage collecting the Dally M Rookie of the Year Award.

FINAL SAY

Next week will be a great test for the Tigers against what will likely be a full-strength Panthers side. The game will be more important for them than most other teams given they have a round one bye and want to click with the stars back.

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