The Tigers play the Gold Coast on Saturday night in Bula’s old Robina neighbourhood, with the joint venture chasing a 10th win, something they have not achieved since 2019.
All eyes will be on Makasini, who learnt in the sheds last weekend he would be playing his first game after Jeral Skelton was knocked out against the Raiders.
Coach Benji Marshall was glad to watch the reaction to the Makasini news when he informed the players not long after the Canberra defeat.
“I took him to Canberra for the experience, to see what it’s like to prepare, with the knowledge he might get an opportunity this week,” Marshall said.
“I told him after the game in Canberra, so he had time to take the news in and not stress over it – he had the weekend to go home and tell his family and get all that stuff out of the way so he could have a good week of preparing to play.
“I also told the boys in the sheds, and their reaction was outstanding. They all went off for him. The boys love him. He’s such a good kid, and someone you like having around.”
Jahream Bula has been a standout again for the Wests Tigers.Credit: NRL Photos
Makasini, a goal-kicking left centre, said earlier this year how his father, Moses, played Test rugby for Tonga and professionally in France, while he had Japanese rugby franchise the Panasonic Wild Cats and the Waratahs chasing his signature before he recommitted to the Tigers. He moved from Orange to Camden when he was 11 and played his junior football in Campbelltown.
When told it would have been cheaper for Makasini’s family to watch their boy debut in Sydney’s south-west, rather than south-east Queensland, Marshall smiled and said: “The good thing is when players make their debut, we look after their families and get them there.
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“Heamasi is a really good kid who works hard, trains hard, speaks very well and does everything possible to be professional.
“It’s a big effort from him that he’s got himself into this position to make his debut.
“I wouldn’t throw anyone in there who I didn’t think was ready for it. The way he’s trained this week, he’ll be ready.
“There’s no pressure on him to do anything spectacular. We just want him to do his job.”
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