For a club that has endured its share of turbulent years, the emergence of homegrown talent through its own pathways has become one of the most encouraging signs of life at Concord.<\/p>\n
The latest chapter in that story has a name: Heamasi Makasini<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Wests Tigers<\/a> have moved swiftly to lock away one of their most exciting young prospects, confirming the 18-year-old outside back has extended his contract through to the end of the 2029 NRL<\/a> season, a two-year extension on top of his existing deal, which was set to expire at the end of the 2027 season.<\/p>\n His NRL<\/a> debut arrived in Round 27 of 2025 against the Gold Coast Titans<\/a>, and he marked the occasion in the most fitting way possible, crossing for a try on his first appearance in the top grade.<\/p>\n Strong showings in the 2026 Witzer Pre-season Challenge followed, and Makasini carried that momentum into the opening stretch of the new season.<\/p>\n A bone bruising injury on his foot kept the Campbelltown junior sidelined for several weeks, with Makasini set to return against the Canterbury Bulldogs<\/a>.<\/p>\n “I love playing here, and I’m loving being a part of what we’re building. It’s where I’ve played all my junior footy, and I want to be a part of bringing the Club success,” Makasini said.<\/p>\n “I’m grateful to Benji, the boys and the whole Tigers family for everything they’ve done for me so far, and I’m so happy to be staying here for another two seasons.<\/p>\n “I’m glad to be back playing this weekend and can’t wait to get out there with the boys in front of our home fans.”<\/p>\n The Wests Tigers’ iconic playmaker and current coach, Benji Marshall<\/a>, placed great emphasis on character and culture in his rebuilding project, and Makasini fits that blueprint to a tee.<\/p>\n “Heamasi is a special talent who we feel is a big part of our future, and we’re looking forward to seeing him develop here,” Marshall said.<\/p>\n “I’ve been impressed with what he’s done for us to start the year, making the step up to the NRL<\/a> week-to-week.<\/p>\n “He’s done it playing at centre \u2013 one of the hardest positions to defend on the field \u2013 and showed his quality at just 18-years-old.<\/p>\n