He’s the hottest young prospect in rugby league – despite having played just one first grade game.
But teenage sensation Heamasi Makasini has knocked back a move by Wests Tigers to extend his contract in a bid to prevent rival clubs from poaching him.
All eyes will be on the 18-year-old when the Tigers play their first game of the new season against the Cowboys at Leichhardt on Saturday afternoon.
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Heamasi Makasini scores a try for the Tigers. Getty
In the background, however, there is a hint of tension.
The strongly-built centre/winger comes off contract at the end of 2027 – which means he can talk to rival NRL franchises this November.
The Tigers are aware that Makasini – despite having just one game to his name in the NRL last season – is a superstar in the making and rival clubs will be watching his progress.
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The club contacted Makasini’s management recently about signing an upgraded and extended deal to keep the wolves at bay.
But Makasini is in no rush to make any commitment. He wants to see how he handles the week to week grind of NRL football before making any decision about his long-term future.
The youngster gave a glimpse of his power and speed during a recent trial against the Panthers.
With little room to move on the left wing, Makasini beat his opposite number and then simply trampled the Panthers’ State of Origin fullback Dylan Edwards for an eye-catching try.
Makasini will play closer to the action in the centres on Saturday and Benji Marshall is certain to tell his playmakers to give the rookie the football with time and space so he can do maximum damage out wide.