Flying Tiger produces try of the year contender ... in February

3 weeks ago 8

Heamasi Makasini bagged a hat-trick of tries – but it was another Wests Tigers winger who stole the show with a very early contender for try of the year.

Little-known Tino Tavana somehow leapt to the air, with his legs over the sideline, and twisted his body to plant the ball down during Saturday afternoon’s 42-26 trial win over the Roosters.

The 21-year-old Narellan junior leapt to his feet and was the only person inside McDonald Jones Stadium that was convinced he had scored.

“It’s only pre-season, it’s only February, but I tell you what, that’s one of the better tries I have ever seen,” Cooper Cronk said on the Fox League coverage.

“He’s out of the field of play by a couple of metres, I’d need Go-Go Gadget arms, a step ladder, and a trampoline to get there. Young Tavana twists, turns and keeps his right mitt on the ball. Outstanding.”

Roosters flyer Mark Nawaqanitawase scored an epic solo try last year for the Roosters, Melbourne’s Xavier Coates somehow planted the ball down to score an unforgettable four-pointer against the Warriors at the start of the 2024 season, and Tavana’s effort, albeit in a trial, deserves to be remembered in the same category.

“I knew I got it down, I just wasn’t sure about my footing,” Tavana said.

Makasini said of Tavana’s try: “Tino has always been that magician coming through the junior reps. He’s a freakish talent, and very skilful.”

Makasini, 18, was handed his NRL debut in the final game of last season, and is vying for the starting left wing spot with Jeral Skelton.

He started the trial against the Roosters at right centre where he was able to bounce out of a tackle from Roosters fullback – and his former Australian under-18s rugby teammate – Rex Bassingthwaighte, before he started the second half on the wing and bagged a double.

“I’ve been training on the left a bit, we’re all fighting for that spot … I’ll keep my head down, train hard, and hopefully get that opportunity.”

Wests Tigers rookie Heamasi Makasini bagged a treble of tries.

Makasini was placed on report for an off-the-ball tackle on Zac Sarfati, but even if he is charged by the match review committee, can expect nothing more than a fine.

Because the Tigers have the bye in round one, coach Benji Marshall must decide how many of his big guns he plays in next weekend’s second and final trial, especially given they will need to wait another three weeks before they play.

Hugo Savala was a class above a lot of the younger players that featured in the blowout, and is sure to be right in the mix for a bench spot this season at the Roosters. Not only is he an ideal back-up halves option, but Savala has also been training in the centres and at lock forward.

Bassingthwaighte is being groomed to be James Tedesco’s long-term fullback successor, and while he is not expected to feature in first grade for at least another 12 months, is more than happy to learn from one of the great modern-day No.1s.

The Roosters will trot out their own stars for next weekend’s trial against Parramatta.