Heamasi Makasini

[BrotherJim05]

We've got Makasini until end of 2028 season. If we can break our finals drought and become a contender then I think this kid is here to stay for a while. If we get more drama from the idiots at HBG and miss out on the finals then we are long odds keeping him.

 

[WA Tiger]

Who would you choose between Teddy in his prime and this boy? And whoever you choose he stays! And you’ve got one minute to decide.

It’s no contest right! Teddy could have tried 100 times and not got that try down the sideline. Or any player in the comp for that matter Teddy was good but Makasini’s on another level. You just don’t pass up a possible Jonah 2: The amount of work M had to do for that try was pretty impressive.

 

[Tigerm]

US set to spark international tug-of-war over Heamasi Makasini; Kyle Flanagan’s brutal Vegas hit

‘A dozen players...’: US rugby league plot revealed as Tigers sensation to spark tug-of-war

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[Nutz]

US set to spark international tug-of-war over Heamasi Makasini; Kyle Flanagan’s brutal Vegas hit

‘A dozen players...’: US rugby league plot revealed as Tigers sensation to spark tug-of-war

www.foxsports.com.au

This is crazy hey. Hands off our Masi!

I was filling out my Fantasy Coach side last night and if Masi does get the gig ahead of Skelton, he potentially could be the best cash cow I've ever seen. He could earn me 2-400k towards the back-end of the season.
Then I got to thinking, hang on, he's played how many NRL games??
Ok, he's ticked a lot of boxes in physicality, talent, and effort department BUT......
NRL experience comes from playing in it, you can't just buy it or inherit it.
A fit and firing Skelton just might keep Masi in KOE to fine tune his game against the men.
I mean it was only yesterday when his opposition were inexperienced young fellas.
He can be in our top 30 earning good coin and still play in reserve grade to further develop without pressure and scrutiny.
I'm torn on this one.
Geoff Starling was 18 when he played for Australia so if your good enough your old enough I guess.
He is, potentially, one of our best players ever, a big call I know.
Please don't stuff this up WT.

Injuries, suspensions and game plans will ensure that a lot of players will get a gig too.

 

[Tiger05]

A fit and firing Skelton just might keep Masi in KOE to fine tune his game against the men.

My take is Masi is our best outside back now and potentially one of the best targets in the entire comp. Give the kid the ball.

 

[Tigerm]

My take is Masi is our best outside back now and potentially one of the best targets in the entire comp. Give the kid the ball.

I think it's a bit early to give him that tag, after 1 x NRL and 2 x trial games.
But he certainly appears to be a special player.

 

[Nutz]

My take is Masi is our best outside back now and potentially one of the best targets in the entire comp. Give the kid the ball.

That's my issue, neither opinion is wrong, but it's how Benji and Hodgo further develop the kid. Training is important as they learn more about first grade.
I've read some posts earlier where members said dont rush him and now they say he's the best and let him rip.
He got caught out in the trial that led to them scoring. I said a few days ago that it's Benji's responsibility to help Masi minimise his errors.
Benji does that by running several defensive scenarios at training and gets the whole backline working together.
Master coaches like Bennett and Bellyache have seen it all, year after year, and know how guide young fellas through the top grade obstacles.
Another issue I have with putting Masi back to KOE is there will be a disconnect between the NRL and lower grade coaching and game day locations. Sometimes all three grades would be at the same venue and the first grade coach often had a look in.
The club has preseason coaching clinics where all our coaches get on board to standardise play but it erodes somewhat. Norm told me this when he was coaching Cronulla.
Finally, Skelton is a very solid fella and if we want a more physical game he could opt for Skelton instead if using Masi as a battering ram.
There's a few more variables too but it can wait.

 

[Nutz]

I guess, it is no surprise.
Hopefully he continues in FG.

I remember watching a couple of those games om nswrltv and he just run over players. It was like an NRL player playing against kids.

 

[Nutz]

I’m still starting him at left centre in NSW cup, let the kid learn his trade

He's always been a centre for me too Vic. Members and media are jumping up and down now after seeing a couple of his standout wing games without seeing him play centre.

Coaches these days want a quick fix to save their careers but the WT just extended Benji's contract so rushing Masi into FG is not a priority for him but I still stand by the "what's best for the team" rule which should decide selections as well as training and team chemistry.
For example, Masi and May look as lethal as any other clubs pairing.
This is a big call, but those two could play SOO together in the near future.
As I said before, going back to reserve grade really doesn't fast track his trade, it's more to do with less pressure on the outcome as he tries to iron out any issues he might be having.. He's still playing against men in either grade.
He can mature in first grade with a good coach.

 

[Tigerm]

He's always been a centre for me too Vic. Members and media are jumping up and down now after seeing a couple of his standout wing games without seeing him play centre.

Coaches these days want a quick fix to save their careers but the WT just extended Benji's contract so rushing Masi into FG is not a priority for him but I still stand by the "what's best for the team" rule which should decide selections as well as training and team chemistry.
For example, Masi and May look as lethal as any other clubs pairing.
This is a big call, but those two could play SOO together in the near future.
As I said before, going back to reserve grade really doesn't fast track his trade, it's more to do with less pressure on the outcome as he tries to iron out any issues he might be having.. He's still playing against men in either grade.
He can mature in first grade with a good coach.

I think at 18, IMO, his body is still not strong enough to handle the rigours of the NRL full time.
I'm all for playing him, but he does need to learn that the NRL is a different beast to what he has been used to.
Coaches will work out defensive patterns that could bring him back to the field for a while.
I said earlier, I have no doubt he will become a star of the game, but I just don't see the need to rush it at this time, especially when we have a senior very capable of doing the job as well.
At his current age, he has something like 12-15 years in the game.

 

[Nutz]

I think at 18, IMO, his body is still not strong enough to handle the rigours of the NRL full time.
I'm all for playing him, but he does need to learn that the NRL is a different beast to what he has been used to.
Coaches will work out defensive patterns that could bring him back to the field for a while.
I said earlier, I have no doubt he will become a star of the game, but I just see the need to rush it at this time, especially when we have a senior very capable of doing the job as well.
At his current age, he has something like 12-15 years in the game.

There's merit in all opinions. He's a big boy with strong shoulders and has a good fend.
Having said that, your right Tm about his body not being fully conditioned to impact but mate, reserve grade often have big ex first graders who are hell-bent in making a physical presence to get back into the nrl. There's no real escape from solid contact.

 

[Tiger05]

it's how Benji and Hodgo further develop the kid. Training is important as they learn more about first grade.

This is where we disagree. I think coaches can do some stuff. They can give them areas to work on but I think talent is the biggest and most important factor. Second would be their personality and how hard they work and are willing to work on themselves and a tiny little bit coaching. The coaching would be so similar at NRL level as well.

he's the best and let him rip.

100%. Anything else to me is being given a ferrari and stating leave it in the garage.

He got caught out in the trial that led to them scoring. I said a few days ago that it's Benji's responsibility to help Masi minimise his errors.

Was it a big error ? He is defending on the wing and the whole backline compressed and got caught. May missed a cover tackle on To'a as well.

Finally, Skelton is a very solid fella and if we want a more physical game he could opt for Skelton instead if using Masi as a battering ram.

I reckon Masi will start our sets off as good as anyone. I'd state he will be one of the best in the whole comp at that.

I think at 18, IMO, his body is still not strong enough to handle the rigours of the NRL full time.

Sorry mate but I just don't get this. He looks like our biggest outside back and he looks bigger than most outside backs in the comp. He is also probably faster and he can move well on his feet as well.

especially when we have a senior very capable of doing the job as well.

I don't think we have a single outside back anywhere near his ability and I reckon our outside backs are better than what we've had in years.

At his current age, he has something like 12-15 years in the game.

He may have a career that long but that doesn't mean with us or in league.

To be clear I'm all in on Masi and I think he is a guy who can win us games.

 

[Nutz]

This is where we disagree. I think coaches can do some stuff. They can give them areas to work on but I think talent is the biggest and most important factor. Second would be their personality and how hard they work and are willing to work on themselves and a tiny little bit coaching. The coaching would be so similar at NRL level as well.



100%. Anything else to me is being given a ferrari and stating leave it in the garage.



Was it a big error ? He is defending on the wing and the whole backline compressed and got caught. May missed a cover tackle on To'a as well.



I reckon Masi will start our sets off as good as anyone. I'd state he will be one of the best in the whole comp at that.


Sorry mate but I just don't get this. He looks like our biggest outside back and he looks bigger than most outside backs in the comp. He is also probably faster and he can move well on his feet as well.



I don't think we have a single outside back anywhere near his ability and I reckon our outside backs are better than what we've had in years.



He may have a career that long but that doesn't mean with us or in league.

To be clear I'm all in on Masi and I think he is a guy who can win us games.

Are you saying that a first grade coach doesn't guide a player and just stops coaching a raw lad straight out of pathways, good grief mate, that is so wrong imo.
Even experienced players sometimes have to change their ways to suit the team that the coach is trying to mould....right through to their retirement.
Masi has already said Benji has been a huge influence and learning to communicate with other players is part of it.

 

[Tiger05]

Are you saying that a first grade coach doesn't guide a player and just stops coaching a raw lad straight out of pathways, good grief mate, that is so wrong imo.

I'm stating that talent is what matters and coaching matters very little as far as individual performances matter. I'd add that talent includes having the ability to work on your game and turn up and keep your cool and everything else.

Even experienced players sometimes have to change their ways to suit the team that the coach is trying to mould....right through to their retirement.

They have to have the ability to adjust but that is part of their talent. I mentioned this in the point above.

Masi has already said Benji has been a huge influence and learning to communicate with other players is part of it.

This is just like the Wayne Bennet factor. Players like certain coaches. They may help guide them off the field as well.

Hass is actually a great example. He came in as a kid and has been the best prop in the game from day one. He has left to go to Bennet but he was still the best prop in the game last season.

Coaching matters from a team perspective. Can you pick the right team ? Can you motivate the players ? Can you get them pulling together as a team ? Can you work to your strengths ? Can you build target opposition faults ?

That structure is critically important.

I don't think though coaches make players like Hass and Masi the players they are though. It's talent which is a broad topic.

 

[Tigerm]

This is where we disagree. I think coaches can do some stuff. They can give them areas to work on but I think talent is the biggest and most important factor. Second would be their personality and how hard they work and are willing to work on themselves and a tiny little bit coaching. The coaching would be so similar at NRL level as well.



100%. Anything else to me is being given a ferrari and stating leave it in the garage.



Was it a big error ? He is defending on the wing and the whole backline compressed and got caught. May missed a cover tackle on To'a as well.



I reckon Masi will start our sets off as good as anyone. I'd state he will be one of the best in the whole comp at that.


Sorry mate but I just don't get this. He looks like our biggest outside back and he looks bigger than most outside backs in the comp. He is also probably faster and he can move well on his feet as well.



I don't think we have a single outside back anywhere near his ability and I reckon our outside backs are better than what we've had in years.



He may have a career that long but that doesn't mean with us or in league.

To be clear I'm all in on Masi and I think he is a guy who can win us games.

I'm certainly not doubting his ability, but at 18 he will be playing against blokes in their prime, with years of training that toughens their body up, he's probably still growing at his age, I just don't think he should be in FG, FT at this stage of his career.

We have other options.

Taylor May is going to make most OS backs look good, Skelton is more than up to the task, IMO. Bearing in mind, as I said earlier, Masi has played in 1 x NRL & 2 x trials only at this time, my point was, that there is no need to rush him.

Agree, we can't say where his career will lead him, but ATM, he chose us over every other suitor.

You'll get no argument from me about his potential, but he's here for 2 seasons, he has plenty of time to get into the action, and he will get his share.

 

[Nutz]

Tiger we are from a different planet. I don't think you understand what's been said.
Anyway, as far as that try was concerned, I'm not talking about the result but the lead up. Masi was basically drawn into the outside centre early leaving To'o unmarked. Clearey picked up on this and passed over Masi's head.
No-one missed a tackle in that lead up.
Both our fullback and Masi should have been screaming at Afoa and Twally that the chin was playing out the back. Masi also gave up on the chase late at the line as did Afoa. Communication and having a voice is important as both Bula and Masi are quiet.
I also didn't say it was a huge error did I?
I also said that whether he plays KOE or NRL he's still going to get his contact so I don't see it as a huge point.
I did say that the only real benefit of playing in reserves to work on things is there is less at stake.
I've watched the kid in pathways as a great centre. If he can't push Skelton aside I'd like to see him play there in reserves to give him a versatile role when called up. No doubt To'a will get injured and Masi would be perfect albeit different sides.
If he gets the nod in rd 2 then happy days, he'll go great, he's in my fantasy side too.

 

[WA Tiger]

Tiger we are from a different planet. I don't think you understand what's been said.
Anyway, as far as that try was concerned, I'm not talking about the result but the lead up. Masi was basically drawn into the outside centre early leaving To'o unmarked. Clearey picked up on this and passed over Masi's head.
No-one missed a tackle in that lead up.
Both our fullback and Masi should have been screaming at Afoa and Twally that the chin was playing out the back. Masi also gave up on the chase late at the line as did Afoa. Communication and having a voice is important as both Bula and Masi are quiet.
I also didn't say it was a huge error did I?
I also said that whether he plays KOE or NRL he's still going to get his contact so I don't see it as a huge point.
I did say that the only real benefit of playing in reserves to work on things is there is less at stake.
I've watched the kid in pathways as a great centre. If he can't push Skelton aside I'd like to see him play there in reserves to give him a versatile role when called up. No doubt To'a will get injured and Masi would be perfect albeit different sides.
If he gets the nod in rd 2 then happy days, he'll go great, he's in my fantasy side too.

He was only asking if it was a big error or not … Why so Touchy all the time? !! You wanna Chill Bro and hang back some.
There’s only one person here from another planet if you think Makasini’s shouldn’t start in first grade. I think the more accurate statement is “The NRL needs to realise Makasini is a different beast” not the other way around.

 

[WA Tiger]

If it was a small error why mention it and use it as a reason to drop Makasini. Esp after seeing that try and others etc

And from 05 “talent is what matters and coaching matters very little as far as individual performances matter.” A coach isn’t going to bring any player up to the standard of Makasini in a million years. Not even your mate Bellamy.. Recognise what we have here and chill about what applies to normal,very young players. None of your carefully thought out rules apply here.

and btw Makasini isn’t quiet

 

[RHYTHM AND STEALTH]

Masi is a centre
He will just have to bid his time on the wing until he moves there permantly.
Benji knows he is to good to leave out of 1st grade but also he knows that he needs to get that week in week out prep, recovery, 1st grade game time before he gets moved in.

 

[Nutz]

I see the closet man has surfaced to try and start an us v them to suit his own agenda.
Selective reading.
If I chilled anymore I'd freeze.
It's a forum. It would be bloody boring if we all agreed and cuddled each other.
Some of your best work WA is when you reply to yourself, hillarious.