Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[BlackWhiteGold]

Daily Tele today:​

Heamasi Makasini signs Wests Tigers contract worth more than $1m while still in year 11​

Heamasi Makasini, a powerful 17-year-old centre, has rejected the bundles of cash offered to him by rugby union scouts to sign a massive new deal with the Wests Tigers.

This is the richest schoolkid in Australia – a $1m rising NRL star still in year 11 at Sydney’s Newington College.
He is Heamasi Makasini, a powerful 17-year-old who spurned Australian rugby union to sign a three-year upgrade and extension at Wests Tigers.

Details remain confidential but this masthead can reveal his new deal is worth more than $1m.

And there are suggestions Makasini could play NRL as early as next season while still preparing for his HSC. He wouldn’t be eligible for NRL until he turns 18 on July 27 next year.

Still playing rugby league and rugby union, Makasini re-signed with Wests Tigers this week just a day after scoring a try in the Australian under 18s rugby union historic win over New Zealand Schools in Hamilton.

He has already been compared to a young Greg Inglis, Israel Folau and Jonah Lomu.

Despite rugby union’s desperate desire to sign him, Makasini wanted to play left centre in rugby league – and for Wests Tigers.

“Athletically, Heamasi is next level,” said Mario Tartak, Makasini’s manager. “He has just turned 17, is still in year 11, has the world at his feet and wants to be a Wests Tiger. He was signed on realistic potential.

“Benji Marshall (Wests Tigers coach) has told Heamasi and his parents that he could play NRL as soon as next year while still at school. He is very well developed.

Heamasi Makasini signing his Wests Tigers deal.
“Honestly, he’s got it all. He’s definitely a gem. He reminds some of a young Folau or a young Inglis.

“He is a Campbelltown junior and has come through the Wests Tigers’ pathways – Harold Matthews and Jersey Flegg.”

The Waratahs chased but failed to sign Makasini while former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans, now in charge of Japanese rugby side Saitama Wild Knights, met with the youngster when in Sydney during July, as revealed by this masthead.

Former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans attempted to lure Heamasi Makasini to rugby union.
“He was in awe of Robbie Deans but moving to Japan was one thing and he wanted to play with his mates at Wests Tigers,” Tartak said.

Orange-born with Tongan heritage, Makasini was on an SG Ball contract for 2025 but was upgraded and then extended for a further two seasons. He will come off contract at Concord after 2027.

Heamasi Makasini of Australia U18 scores a try during the match between Australia U8s and New Zealand Barbarians at St Paul's Collegiate School. Picture: Getty Images
Marshall added: “He is one of the best young talents that we have who has progressed his way through our development programs.”

Makasini scored 92 points, scoring ten tries in ten games, during this year’s Harold Matthews Cup and was later named player of the year. He represented the Australian under 16s rugby union side last year.

“As a family, we give thanks to God for His blessings, and we are humbled and overwhelmed by this amazing opportunity,” said Heamasi’s mother, Tupou.

 

[user118245]

Madge digging his heels in at a time when Brisbane's cap is bursting at the seams. should be interesting viewing.

Said this 1000 times, something has to give at broncos

 

[TopTiger]

Come 1 November the Tigers can table an offer for Kobe for the 2026 season and beyond, then it will be up to his manager and him to decide whether the security of a longer term contract with the Tigers and the opportunity to be in the run on side make him seek a release if the broncos aren't going to extend him beyond 2025.

 

[Vicious]

Signing Kobe Hetherington for 2025 was always going to be a long shot.
Why should have had Jack Williams who is a similar type of player as a back up plan ?

 

[weststigerman]

Come 1 November the Tigers can table an offer for Kobe for the 2026 season and beyond, then it will be up to his manager and him to decide whether the security of a longer term contract with the Tigers and the opportunity to be in the run on side make him seek a release if the broncos aren't going to extend him beyond 2025.

I like Kobe as a late season signing who can help us for next year, but in terms of November 1 2026 signings we should be aiming higher and prioritising a starting front rower like Leo Thompson or someone like Willson.

 

[jrtiger]

Said this 1000 times, something has to give at broncos

it will. Cobbo will leave.

 

[jrtiger]

I like Kobe as a late season signing who can help us for next year, but in terms of November 1 2026 signings we should be aiming higher and prioritising a starting front rower like Leo Thompson or someone like Willson.

we need both lock and a front rower.

Egan Butcher is who I’d pursue for the 13 role personally if Hetherington’s staying at Brisbane. I’d also be trying for Trent Loiero.

Thompson and Willison as you say fit the bill for what we need in the front row. Davvy Moale’s another I think that would be ideal.

 

[Champ1]

Daily Tele today:​

Heamasi Makasini signs Wests Tigers contract worth more than $1m while still in year 11​

Heamasi Makasini, a powerful 17-year-old centre, has rejected the bundles of cash offered to him by rugby union scouts to sign a massive new deal with the Wests Tigers.

This is the richest schoolkid in Australia – a $1m rising NRL star still in year 11 at Sydney’s Newington College.
He is Heamasi Makasini, a powerful 17-year-old who spurned Australian rugby union to sign a three-year upgrade and extension at Wests Tigers.

Details remain confidential but this masthead can reveal his new deal is worth more than $1m.

And there are suggestions Makasini could play NRL as early as next season while still preparing for his HSC. He wouldn’t be eligible for NRL until he turns 18 on July 27 next year.

Still playing rugby league and rugby union, Makasini re-signed with Wests Tigers this week just a day after scoring a try in the Australian under 18s rugby union historic win over New Zealand Schools in Hamilton.

He has already been compared to a young Greg Inglis, Israel Folau and Jonah Lomu.

Despite rugby union’s desperate desire to sign him, Makasini wanted to play left centre in rugby league – and for Wests Tigers.

“Athletically, Heamasi is next level,” said Mario Tartak, Makasini’s manager. “He has just turned 17, is still in year 11, has the world at his feet and wants to be a Wests Tiger. He was signed on realistic potential.

“Benji Marshall (Wests Tigers coach) has told Heamasi and his parents that he could play NRL as soon as next year while still at school. He is very well developed.

Heamasi Makasini signing his Wests Tigers deal.
“Honestly, he’s got it all. He’s definitely a gem. He reminds some of a young Folau or a young Inglis.

“He is a Campbelltown junior and has come through the Wests Tigers’ pathways – Harold Matthews and Jersey Flegg.”

The Waratahs chased but failed to sign Makasini while former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans, now in charge of Japanese rugby side Saitama Wild Knights, met with the youngster when in Sydney during July, as revealed by this masthead.

Former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans attempted to lure Heamasi Makasini to rugby union.
“He was in awe of Robbie Deans but moving to Japan was one thing and he wanted to play with his mates at Wests Tigers,” Tartak said.

Orange-born with Tongan heritage, Makasini was on an SG Ball contract for 2025 but was upgraded and then extended for a further two seasons. He will come off contract at Concord after 2027.

Heamasi Makasini of Australia U18 scores a try during the match between Australia U8s and New Zealand Barbarians at St Paul's Collegiate School. Picture: Getty Images
Marshall added: “He is one of the best young talents that we have who has progressed his way through our development programs.”

Makasini scored 92 points, scoring ten tries in ten games, during this year’s Harold Matthews Cup and was later named player of the year. He represented the Australian under 16s rugby union side last year.

“As a family, we give thanks to God for His blessings, and we are humbled and overwhelmed by this amazing opportunity,” said Heamasi’s mother, Tupou.

Great to see a young man , appreciative & loyal to the Tigers for all the work they have put into him. That is the character of player we need at the Tigs. Unlike the disloyal tedescos of this world!

 

[Kelce68]

we need both lock and a front rower.

Egan Butcher is who I’d pursue for the 13 role personally if Hetherington’s staying at Brisbane. I’d also be trying for Trent Loiero.

Thompson and Willison as you say fit the bill for what we need in the front row. Davvy Moale’s another I think that would be ideal.

No doubt we do.

I start to get the feeling that, barring a Hetherington type, we will play a third, light-footed prop at lock again. We've got a few options, with the likes of Sione, Kit and Fa'agutu on the fringes. Though the latter two are far from ready-made atm.

It's not my first choice, though somebody like Sione in particular, if he can get his lateral movement and front on contact right, could be a great point of difference. His passing game and line-engagement is really, really underrated imo. There could be an argument to put to him the lure of a starting lock spot if he can get himself down to ~102kg or thereabouts.

Would be an interesting experiment at least.

If we're resigned to going external, I'm going after Tallis Duncan for 2026. Gives time for Havea Jr to come through.

 

[king_sirro]

No doubt we do.

I start to get the feeling that, barring a Hetherington type, we will play a third, light-footed prop at lock again. We've got a few options, with the likes of Sione, Kit and Fa'agutu on the fringes. Though the latter two are far from ready-made atm.

It's not my first choice, though somebody like Sione in particular, if he can get his lateral movement and front on contact right, could be a great point of difference. His passing game and line-engagement is really, really underrated imo. There could be an argument to put to him the lure of a starting lock spot if he can get himself down to ~102kg or thereabouts.

Would be an interesting experiment at least.

If we're resigned to going external, I'm going after Tallis Duncan for 2026. Gives time for Havea Jr to come through.

IMO Sione has shown signs that he can fill whatever hole we are left with. He is very talented. So if we need a lock he fills it. I thought he looked the most natural of all our middles engaging the line as a link man. He didn't do it often as his role was quite limited off the bench, but when he did do it, it was seamless. He would only get better at it over time.

I also wouldn't rule out him playing right edge if Bird plays 13. Sione is as mobile as Sam and could be a revelation on the edge.

If he isn't needed in those 2 spots then he plays front row, a spot where he could be our best forward.

I have a huge opinion of him. Loved how he improved his defence throughout the season.

I guess we have to sign him first.

 

[batboy]

Said this 1000 times, something has to give at broncos

Kevvie was just the messenger....
There's no more stick when you're in it to the Wheels!!
Madge wanted to keep Sam McIntyre as well, Ultimately - The Books will only keep so many of them.

We need another circuit breaker though - From another club would be good....
A toiler who'll get the hard yards done and drag others along.

I don't feel Bird and Hunt fit in this lane, I'm not sure a young islander with limited first grade would either.
Be good to have more than one or two Drivers in Luai and Turuva (both from Penrith)

I honestly think we have none at the moment.

 

[batboy]

Copied from the WT Podcast forum:

Brisbane Broncos set to retain Kobe Hetherington after Michael Maguire intervention
Michael Maguire has made his first big call as Broncos coach, pulling the handbrake on a Kevin Walters-era roster cleanout.

Brutal Season Review: Brisbane Broncos
Michael Maguire has made his first big call as Broncos coach after informing forward Kobe Hetherington he wants to keep him in Brisbane.

Hetherington was given permission to explore options at rival clubs in July by former coach Kevin Walters after struggling to secure a starting spot at Red Hill.

Four clubs, including Wests Tigers, expressed interest in the hard-hitting middle, who has amassed 78 NRL appearances for Brisbane since his 2021 debut.

Hetherington, 25, was tipped to depart the Broncos if the club could secure a suitable replacement.

However that may no longer be the case following the departure of Walters a fortnight ago.

One of the first things Maguire did after being appointed Walters’ successor on a three-year contract last week was call Hetherington.

“He called me last week and I spoke to him for the first time,” Hetherington said after being selected in Australia’s Prime Minister’s XIII.

“He seems like a good fella.

“He’s come out and said he wants me to stay.

Kobe Hetherington. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images
Kobe Hetherington. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“I was contracted until next year anyway. At this stage I think I’m staying.

“I never want to leave the Broncos. I’ve been there for seven years and it’s all I really know.

“I live and breathe the Broncos.”

Hetherington is contracted to the Broncos until the end of 2025, but the club was willing to release him if he could secure a longer-term deal.

However Maguire has recognised Hetherington’s no-frills style and tough pedigree – being the son of former Maroons bruiser Jason Hetherington – may be just what the Broncos need to bounce back from this year’s 12th-place crash.

Hetherington said he was looking forward to starting pre-season training next week under renowned taskmaster Maguire, who has coached some of his PM’s teammates.

“I think we’re in for a bit of a tough pre-season so we’ll see how we go,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to it. I can’t wait.

“A few of the boys around here that have had him are scaring me a bit. It should be good.”

Flourish logo
Hetherington has only had sporadic starting opportunities given he is stuck behind Kangaroos star Pat Carrigan in the No. 13 pecking order at the Broncos.

He still has ambitions to become a regular starting player and hopes he can prove to Maguire he is worthy of a spot next year.

“At the end of the day it’s on me. I need to have a big pre-season and come out fit,” he said.

“If I do all the right things, I think I’ll get a good shot at it.

“I need to go out there and prove I’m a starting player.

“It’s still my goal. I don’t want to be a bench player my whole life.

Michael Maguire has told Hetherington he is in his Red Hill plans. Picture: Steve Pohlner
Michael Maguire has told Hetherington he is in his Red Hill plans. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“I need to have a big pre-season, work hard and hopefully get the call to start.”

Hetherington’s manager Chris Haddad said he was seeking clarity from Maguire over his plans.

“I have to see Madge and Simon Scanlan (Broncos recruitment chief) in the next week or two, we’ll meet and take it from there,” Haddad said.

“We haven’t asked for a release, but we have permission to talk.

“There’s still a lot of interest around in Kobe, but I’ll see what they have to say first.

“Kevvie liked him, too, but we need to see what role he plays next year.

“Every player wants to be in the starting side. He’s no different to any other player.

“Everything is still up in the air. I’ll talk to Madge and see what his plans are for Kobe.”

That's a Suli like contract....

Surely we're due a win with one of these overpaid kids!!

 

[Kelce68]

IMO Sione has shown signs that he can fill whatever hole we are left with. He is very talented. So if we need a lock he fills it. I thought he looked the most natural of all our middles engaging the line as a link man. He didn't do it often as his role was quite limited off the bench, but when he did do it, it was seamless. He would only get better at it over time.

I also wouldn't rule out him playing right edge if Bird plays 13. Sione is as mobile as Sam and could be a revelation on the edge.

If he isn't needed in those 2 spots then he plays front row, a spot where he could be our best forward.

I have a huge opinion of him. Loved how he improved his defence throughout the season.

I guess we have to sign him first.

I agree.

He's quite a talented and versatile player who, fortunately, other clubs haven't figured out yet. His footwork alone dwarfs even that of Pole's and led directly to two, solo tries from memory.

He'll be kept. (I hope)

 

[mtd#2]

Great to see a young man , appreciative & loyal to the Tigers for all the work they have put into him. That is the character of player we need at the Tigs. Unlike the disloyal tedescos of this world!

id be loyal too for $333k a year in year 11 LOL

 

[mtd#2]

I still think we are a chance with Hetherington... We'll table good money and offer a starting spot.... Broncos wont table any more money and he's coming off the bench...

 

[Tigers_Wests]

we need both lock and a front rower.

Egan Butcher is who I’d pursue for the 13 role personally if Hetherington’s staying at Brisbane. I’d also be trying for Trent Loiero.

Thompson and Willison as you say fit the bill for what we need in the front row. Davvy Moale’s another I think that would be ideal.

Had forgotten bout Egan Butcher due to his lack of gametime over at Chooks. Surely he needs to be thinking of moving on as he could easily be in the starting 17 making an impact at a handful of clubs. I would take him at Tigers.

 

[Tiger Stripes]

we need both lock and a front rower.

Egan Butcher is who I’d pursue for the 13 role personally if Hetherington’s staying at Brisbane. I’d also be trying for Trent Loiero.

Thompson and Willison as you say fit the bill for what we need in the front row. Davvy Moale’s another I think that would be ideal.

Your selections IMO are spot on with what we need. Props and lock/back row.
One from each group would have me over the moon for next year, but some are contracted for 2025.
Hopefully club budgets put them on the market?

 

[Tom Shines]

I still think we are a chance with Hetherington... We'll table good money and offer a starting spot.... Broncos wont table any more money and he's coming off the bench...

His own comments in the article a page back tells me he is staying at the Broncos

 

[mtd#2]

His own comments in the article a page back tells me he is staying at the Broncos

sure, he'll probably say, I'm just saying it's not definitive and he hasn't seen the money we are willing to offer him yet.

 

[Tom Shines]

Daily Tele today:​

Heamasi Makasini signs Wests Tigers contract worth more than $1m while still in year 11​

Heamasi Makasini, a powerful 17-year-old centre, has rejected the bundles of cash offered to him by rugby union scouts to sign a massive new deal with the Wests Tigers.

This is the richest schoolkid in Australia – a $1m rising NRL star still in year 11 at Sydney’s Newington College.
He is Heamasi Makasini, a powerful 17-year-old who spurned Australian rugby union to sign a three-year upgrade and extension at Wests Tigers.

Details remain confidential but this masthead can reveal his new deal is worth more than $1m.

And there are suggestions Makasini could play NRL as early as next season while still preparing for his HSC. He wouldn’t be eligible for NRL until he turns 18 on July 27 next year.

Still playing rugby league and rugby union, Makasini re-signed with Wests Tigers this week just a day after scoring a try in the Australian under 18s rugby union historic win over New Zealand Schools in Hamilton.

He has already been compared to a young Greg Inglis, Israel Folau and Jonah Lomu.

Despite rugby union’s desperate desire to sign him, Makasini wanted to play left centre in rugby league – and for Wests Tigers.

“Athletically, Heamasi is next level,” said Mario Tartak, Makasini’s manager. “He has just turned 17, is still in year 11, has the world at his feet and wants to be a Wests Tiger. He was signed on realistic potential.

“Benji Marshall (Wests Tigers coach) has told Heamasi and his parents that he could play NRL as soon as next year while still at school. He is very well developed.

Heamasi Makasini signing his Wests Tigers deal.
“Honestly, he’s got it all. He’s definitely a gem. He reminds some of a young Folau or a young Inglis.

“He is a Campbelltown junior and has come through the Wests Tigers’ pathways – Harold Matthews and Jersey Flegg.”

The Waratahs chased but failed to sign Makasini while former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans, now in charge of Japanese rugby side Saitama Wild Knights, met with the youngster when in Sydney during July, as revealed by this masthead.

Former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans attempted to lure Heamasi Makasini to rugby union.
“He was in awe of Robbie Deans but moving to Japan was one thing and he wanted to play with his mates at Wests Tigers,” Tartak said.

Orange-born with Tongan heritage, Makasini was on an SG Ball contract for 2025 but was upgraded and then extended for a further two seasons. He will come off contract at Concord after 2027.

Heamasi Makasini of Australia U18 scores a try during the match between Australia U8s and New Zealand Barbarians at St Paul's Collegiate School. Picture: Getty Images
Marshall added: “He is one of the best young talents that we have who has progressed his way through our development programs.”

Makasini scored 92 points, scoring ten tries in ten games, during this year’s Harold Matthews Cup and was later named player of the year. He represented the Australian under 16s rugby union side last year.

“As a family, we give thanks to God for His blessings, and we are humbled and overwhelmed by this amazing opportunity,” said Heamasi’s mother, Tupou.

Hey … good news he is staying ….

He certainly has some wraps on him for a 17 yr old…..”next Inglis “ apparently…maybe let’s pump the brakes a little bit because that is very high praise …

Fingers crossed he is a quick learner