Wests Tigers turn to teen freak for season opener
George Clarke |
Benji Marshall will unleash teen phenom Heamasi Makasini at centre as Wests Tigers open their NRL campaign against North Queensland.
Makasini played one NRL game for the Tigers late last year but starred in the club’s pre-season trials with a hat-trick and a devastating try against Penrith on the wing.
The 18-year-old will start in the centres at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday in the absence of Starford Toa, with Luke Laulilii slotting on to the wing for the club’s first game of the season.
In other team news, Brisbane have named Ezra Mam at five-eighth with Ben Hunt listed on the bench again for Thursday’s clash with Parramatta.
The Eels have dropped Brian Kelly following Josh Addo-Carr’s return from a thumb injury following an opening round hammering at the hands of Melbourne.
The Storm are unchanged for Saturday’s clash with St George Illawarra except for Tui Kamikamica coming into the starting side at the expense of Alec MacDonald (concussion)
Canberra prop Josh Papalii is also sidelined with a concussion, prompting Ricky Stuart to move Morgan Smithies into the front-row for Friday’s trip across the ditch to face the Warriors.
In Friday’s other game, Jayden Sullivan will play halfback for South Sydney against the Sydney Roosters, who have named Rob Toia to play at centre.
On Sunday, Kobe Hetherington will start at prop for Manly at home to Newcastle with Siosiua Taukeiaho out with a calf issue.
The Dolphins, meanwhile, have named Ray Stone and Max Plath as they take on the Gold Coast in Sunday’s later kick-off.
Titans coach Josh Hannay has kept faith with the same 19 players who were walloped by Cronulla in the season opener.
AAP