Wests Tigers are delighted to confirm that two of the club’s brightest young Pathways talents have signed long-term extensions.
Jared Haywood and Christian Taupau-Moors will both remain with Wests Tigers until at least the end of the 2028 season.
Haywood is an 18-year-old hooker/half, who has played primarily in Balmain’s junior representative teams since joining the club’s Pathways system in 2023.
A Patrician Brothers’ College, Blacktown product, he was named in the 2024 Australian Schoolboys squad after showcasing his impressive talent for the school throughout the year.
He has completed the 2025 pre-season with the Western Suburbs Magpies NSW Cup squad and has also taken part in several training sessions with the NRL squad as part of his development.
Christian Taupau-Moors is a 17-year-old prop, who has graduated to the Wests Magpies SG Ball Cup side this year after helping their Harold Matthews Cup team to a Grand Final appearance in 2024.
He was also named in an Australian-based New Zealand U/17s squad at the conclusion of last year’s campaign to cap off an outstanding season.
The powerful middle has completed the 2025 pre-season with the Wests Tigers Jersey Flegg Cup team and will return to their setup later this year when his junior representative commitments are complete.
Haywood has been named to come off the interchange bench in #23 for this weekend’s NRL trial against the Bulldogs at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
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Hopefully Logan Brookes is next along with some good young back rowers coming through.
Having watched quite a few games this year of the SG Ball teams, both Balmain & Wests, I think the one who has impressed the most is Phoenix Godinet. I’d expect him, Makasini, Haywood (also very good), Tannous, Tapau-Moors & maybe Xavier Tauaifaiga & Logan Brooks to play some Flegg once the SG Ball season finishes. Would not surprise to see Heamasi & Phoenix make an NRL debut next year. Phoenix next year or the year after imo.
Good luck to the Laurie Daley squad tomorrow in the GF. I've seen a few games this year and saw some of the boys play Matts last year. Had an opinion of Peter French who plays middle and comes off the bench here. Also like the back row especially Epati. Glassie Glassie who started at centre for Wests in the first SG Ball game this year is pretty robust. Saw Aiden Richards play last week and goes ok too, son of Pat, noticed he has a very similar gait and tan.
Archie Duncombe and Riley Oittman are both playing for Wests SG Ball played this grade last year. Both of them have bright futures so expect to see a few of these current Laurie Daley guys make the step up.
Dragons too good, 27-16. Tigers always chasing the game after conceding 2 early tries. Had opportunities but lacked a little composure. Good season & there’s plenty to feel positive about despite the result.
Makasini is training with the NRL squad over the school holidays.
I would suggest this is a strong indication that he will debut later this year.
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Makasini is training with the NRL squad over the school holidays.
I would suggest this is a strong indication that he will debut later this year.
can we just let the kid develop more and earn the right to play first grade not be giving it to him.
Possibly but, again, I hope people don’t expect a great deal. He’s basically training part time this year given he’s completing his HSC. He’ll be better next year with no distractions & working full-time with the squad. But Benji will know if he’s ready or not.Makasini is training with the NRL squad over the school holidays.
I would suggest this is a strong indication that he will debut later this year.
Possibly but, again, I hope people don’t expect a great deal. He’s basically training part time this year given he’s completing his HSC. He’ll be better next year with no distractions & working full-time with the squad. But Benji will know if he’s ready or not.Makasini is training with the NRL squad over the school holidays.
I would suggest this is a strong indication that he will debut later this year.
You never know, there could be a clause in his contract saying he gets a debut this year.
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True, anything’s possible but I can only go on what I know to be a fact right now and he’s a part timer still completing his schooling which I assume will be completed about November. Not a great preparation for an NRL debut but Benji would know better than me obviously.Possibly but, again, I hope people don’t expect a great deal. He’s basically training part time this year given he’s completing his HSC. He’ll be better next year with no distractions & working full-time with the squad. But Benji will know if he’s ready or not.Makasini is training with the NRL squad over the school holidays.
I would suggest this is a strong indication that he will debut later this year.
You never know, there could be a clause in his contract saying he gets a debut this year.
Watched the Flegg boys play today. Was good to see Haywood & Godinet both get a run. Jared was impressive in his 40 minutes or so, only 18 last December but didn’t look out of place one bit. He’s a terrific, young talent. Phoenix, also 18 this year was solid in his 20 minutes or so. I think both Jared & Phoenix are fortunate in that they won’t be rushed & they can develop the way most young talents do by getting experience in the lower grades before making their debuts. But very confident they’re going to get there next year or two.
Luke Laulili’i and Heamasi Makasini have been named in the NSW Under 19s squads.
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Was at Lidcombe yesterday watching the 2 games. After watching Flegg came away thinking we have a few options for Ciup next year. Iverson Mattai has spent a couple of seasons in Flegg & plays quite well. He’s small but strong & nippy & digs into the line. Marc Tannous is only 19 but game manages well & kicking is good. Max Lisles didn’t play yesterday but he’s similar to Tannous but a year or 2 older. Those 3 could all play some Cup next year however would still be developing so not the best options for a back-up to Luai & Latu you’d think. Heath is also an option but not much of a kicking game & not an experienced game manager. Will be keen to see what happens next season with these guys.
