Source : ABC NEWS
Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall says the club is desperate to keep Heamasi Makasini after the teenage star admitted an interest in returning to rugby union.
Makasini has been compared to late All Blacks great Jonah Lomu, who took international rugby by storm in the mid-1990s.
The 18-year-old represented Australia in rugby at the junior level but signed with Wests Tigers on a three-year deal in 2024.
He will play in the centres in the Tigers’ season-opening match against North Queensland at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday.
Heamasi Makasini (right) scored in his NRL debut last season. (Getty Images: Bradley Kanaris)
Makasini, who scored in his NRL debut in the final round last year, told reporters earlier this week he was open to a switch to rugby during his professional career.
Marshall said the Tigers would do everything possible to keep Makasini beyond the end of the 2027 season when his contract expires.
“I don’t talk about recruiting publicly, but what I will say is Heamasi is really important to us,” Marshall said.
“And we’ll prioritise whatever we need to do to make sure he stays here.
“But rugby, for me, is not a concern at the moment. All I’m worried about is he’s still got two more years here under contract [and] we need to get the best out of him.”
Makasini impressed for Wests Tigers during the preseason with his physicality in attack.
Jonah Lomu made his presence felt during his Test career with the All Blacks. (Getty Images: Ross Land)
His displays triggered comparisons to the legendary Lomu, who announced himself in Test rugby with a series of devastating performances at the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
“If you look at the 1995 World Cup, the highlights look the same. That’s why it’s crazy,” Marshall said.
“He’s had some comparisons to some great players, but what I like is he doesn’t let that affect his mindset and the way he is.
“But again, we’ve seen a couple of things in trials. It’s not the same when you play an NRL game.”
Wests Tigers had the bye in the first round.
The Cowboys opened their season with a 28-18 loss to Newcastle in Las Vegas.
AAP
