Flying Tiger produces try of the year contender … in February

Heamasi Makasini scored a hat-trick but another Wests Tigers winger who entered the trial of the year too early also stole the show.

Little-known Tino Tavana somehow leapt into the air with his legs over the byline, twisted his body and dropped the ball to the ground during Saturday afternoon’s 42-26 try victory over the Roosters.

The 21-year-old from Narellan jumped to his feet and was the only person at McDonald Jones Stadium who believed he had scored a goal.

“It’s only preseason, it’s only February, but let me tell you, this is one of the best trials I’ve ever seen,” Cooper Cronk said on Fox League coverage.

“A few feet off the playing field. I need Go-Go Gadget arms, a ladder, and a trampoline to get there. Young turns to the Ceiling, spins around, and keeps his right glove over the ball. Phenomenal.”

Roosters pilot Mark Nawaqanitawase scores a goal epic solo try In Melbourne last year for the Roosters Xavier Coates He somehow put the ball down for a memorable four-pointer against the Warriors at the start of the 2024 season, and Tavana’s effort, albeit tentative, deserves mention in the same category.

“I knew I was falling, but I wasn’t sure about my feet,” Tavana said.

Makasini said of Tavana’s effort: “Tino has always been a magician coming through the young representatives. He is a freak talent and very skilful.”

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