Heamasi Makasini's unique debut turned a disappointing team moment into a celebration for the Wests Tigers' young star.
He was one of the most talked-about juniors throughout last season, but Heamasi Makasini's debut story may be one of the most unique situations any player has ever experienced.
The Wests Tigers had lost any chance of making the top eight when going down 24-10 to minor premiers Canberra in the second-last week of the competition.
Makasini was named as 18th man and made the trip to the nation's capital, before coach Benji Marshall swapped the 18-year-old for journeyman hooker Tristan Hope at the last second.
It took 68 minutes - and winger Jeral Skelton knocking himself out while putting on one of the tackles of the year on Ethan Strange - to realise Makasini might get his shot before completing his HSC.
Marshall turned a dour dressing room - after the club was ruled out of finals for a 14th straight year - into a celebration of one of their youngest stars.
