Just Like Jonah: Benji Highlights Makasini's Potential
Wests Tigers are committed to retaining their promising teenage talent, Heamasi Makasini, following his expressed interest in a potential return to rugby.
On Thursday, Benji Marshall acknowledged the striking similarities between Makasini and renowned All Blacks player Jonah Lomu, expressing confidence in the 18-year-old's ability to handle the pressure.
Makasini is set to take the field as a centre for the Tigers in their season opener against North Queensland at Leichhardt Oval this Saturday, after impressing with a debut try in the previous season's final match.
Having emerged from Newington College, he is rapidly becoming the standout rookie to watch in 2026. This week, he revealed that a long-term return to rugby remains an option he is considering.
Despite this, Marshall reassured fans on Thursday that the joint-venture club is eager to keep Makasini beyond the conclusion of his current contract next year.
"I don't talk about recruiting publicly. But what I will say is Heamasi is really important to us," said Marshall.
"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 that we need to get the best out of him."