Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall has revealed that boom teenager Heamasi Makasini has a foot injury, but admitted he would have dropped him anyway for a freshen up. And Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has confirmed that Simi Sasagi won’t play on Thursday night due to a hamstring injury.
The 18-year-old Makasni burst onto the scene in the pre-season when he scored a stunning solo try against the Panthers. He forced his way into the first-grade team to start the regular season, and despite being solid he hasn’t really lived up to the immense hype.
For an 18-year-old he’s been holding his own against some seasoned NRL veterans. But he had his worst game last weekend against Brisbane, making six handling errors.
Simi Sasagi (far left) is out for the Raiders, while Benji Marshall has explained Heamasi Makasini’s (R) omission. Image: Getty
Makasini wasn’t named in the first-grade team to take on Canberra on Thursday night, and won’t play NSW Cup this weekend either. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Marshall said Makasini is resting a minor foot injury, but wouldn’t have played this weekend anyway to protect his development.
“I want to praise him for how awesome he’s been to start the season,” Marshall said. “He’s 18 years old, coming in, playing centre – which is probably the hardest position to defend on the field – and he did a great job. Part of my job as a coach is also to know when to take the pressure off him.
“It’s just a good reminder for a lot of people out there that sometimes we go off early on young blokes by comparing them, unfairly, to some of the greatest athletes that ever played. He is a unique talent and someone we see as (having) a long-term future for us. He’s having a bit of confidence issues at the moment, but he’ll bounce back.”
Heamasi Makasini has a minor foot injury on top of some confidence issues.
(Getty Images)
Marshall has the luxury of the Tigers being in third place on the ladder with plenty of troops coming back. Taylan May returned from injury last week, while fellow centre Starford To’a returns this week. Luke Laulilii takes over for Makasini, while Patrick Herbert and Jeral Skelton are also vying for NRL spots.
“A lot of people look at it (when) someone goes back to reserve grade like it’s a punishment,” Marshall said. “Sometimes it’s actually the best thing for you to go and learn your trade and get some confidence.”
Simi Sasagi ruled out for Canberra Raiders
As for the Raiders, they’ll be without breakout star Simi Sasagi due to a minor hamstring injury. Sasagi has been one of the form centres of the season so far, but will likely be replaced by Savelio Tamale or Daine Laurie.
“It’s disappointing, we’ve had a very, very heavy load over the last 18 days – this is our fourth game in two-and-a-half weeks, basically – so something’s going to give, and it did with Simi,” Stuart said.
“I’ve had to lighten up the loads this week with all the travel we’ve had and then the short turnarounds and tried to look after them physically.”
The Raiders are also without Hudson Young due to a two-match ban. And veteran forward Josh Papalii has been ruled out 6-8 weeks with a torn calf.