He was stopped by fullback Dylan Edwards on one occasion, but then ran straight over the representative No. 1 a second time to score. The four-pointer will not be forgotten any time soon by those inside the inner-western Sydney venue. The try came six days after he bagged a hat-trick in a trial against the Roosters.
Heamasi Makasini scored an excellent try for the Wests Tigers.Credit: NRL Photos
The Tigers left edge of Jarome Luai, Samuela Fainu, Taylan May and Makasini will rack up their share of points this year if they can all stay fit.
Tigers coach Benji Marshall was unsure whether to play most of his big guns, considering they do not play for another three weeks because of a round-one bye. But the pleasing hit out against a genuine premiership contender in Penrith will give them plenty of confidence.
Tigers halfback Adam Doueihi was busy early, and laid on the first try for Jahream Bula, while Panthers backrower โ and former Tiger โ Isaiah Papaliโi got through a mountain of work early.
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary and his assistants were forced to watch the game in the outdoor press area after a rogue airconditioning unit left the coachesโ box unbearably cold.
In the earlier trial, a 38-34 win by the Dolphins over the Warriors, two players were binned, including Jacob Host for a hip-drop tackle on Selwyn Cobbo.
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