Get ready for a thrilling NRL season! We've got some incredible action to kick things off, and it's not just about the big names. A rookie has stolen the show, leaving everyone in awe!
Faaletino Tavana, the Wests Tigers' rising star, has left an unforgettable mark in the 2026 preseason trial against the Sydney Roosters. In a match that started with the Tigers down 0-16, they fought back with an incredible 42-26 win, and Tavana's try was the icing on the cake.
But here's where it gets controversial... Heamasi Makasini, Tavana's teammate, also had an impressive performance, bagging a hat-trick. However, it was Tavana's moment of brilliance that truly stole the spotlight. With a move that defied gravity, he evaded defender Enzo Griffier and placed the ball on the line, leaving spectators and coaches alike in awe.
Tigers coach Benji Marshall had every reason to be smiling. Makasini's hat-trick performance showcased the teenager's potential for a breakout year. And this is the part most people miss: Makasini's versatility could be a game-changer for the Tigers. With Adam Doueihi moving to the halves, Makasini's ability to play both wing and centre positions gives the team much-needed flexibility.
Makasini himself is confident: "I can cover both spots. I like both positions." He's been training on the left wing, but with competition from Jeral Skelton, and the possibility of filling in for Starford To'a or Taylan May, Makasini's value to the team is undeniable.
Now, let's talk about an injury concern. Matt Burton, the star player for the Canterbury Bulldogs, is facing a race against time to recover from a hamstring injury. He limped off during the Bulldogs' pre-season match against Newcastle, raising doubts about his availability for the Las Vegas season opener.
Dylan Brown, the multi-million-dollar recruit, had a quiet debut, but it was Burton's injury that stole the headlines. Despite scoring an early try, Burton felt the strain after a tackle, and had to leave the field for assessment. The Bulldogs' coach, Cameron Ciraldo, was quick to react, saying, "We saw him grabbing at it, so we got him off." But Ciraldo remained optimistic, adding, "He had to make that tackle, so he couldn't have been too bad."
Burton's injury seems minor, but he's now in a race to be fit for the team's flight to the US, where they face St George Illawarra in their season opener. Will he make it? Only time will tell.
So, what do you think? Is Tavana's try a sign of things to come for the Tigers? And will Burton's injury be a setback for the Bulldogs' season? Let's discuss in the comments!
