After three seasons at Newcastle, Hastings is without a deal for 2026 and searching for a club willing to give him another shot in first grade.
The 29-year-old endured a frustrating stint with the Knights, struggling to live up to his $700,000 price tag and spending much of this year in the NSW Cup.
He managed just five NRL appearances in 2025 as Newcastle turned to younger options in the halves, despite a horror season that saw the club finish last.
It has now emerged Hastings could be handed an NRL lifeline, with the Canberra Raiders possibly showing interest and shaping as a potential destination for the off-contract halfback according to Zero Tackle.
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While a return to the Super League where Hastings enjoyed his best football once seemed likely, Hastings has ruled that out, wanting to remain in Australia to be close to his young daughter and family as he continues to push for an opportunity with an NRL club.
That stance has reportedly caught the attention of the Raiders, who are considering experienced playmakers to support young half Ethan Sanders following the departure of backup halfback Adam Cook.
The Raiders have been searching for depth in the halves since Cook’s signing with the Leigh Leopards in the English Super League and had previously been linked to Melbourne’s Jonah Pezet.
Hastings would bring valuable experience to a strong yet youthful Raiders side but would need to accept a significant pay cut from his Knights salary.
The Raiders currently have two open spots in their Top 30 roster for 2026, though one is expected to go to Penrith utility Daine Laurie on a multi-year deal.
For Hastings, any return to the NRL may hinge on his willingness to take a reduced role and salary in exchange for stability and opportunity.
Ricky Stuart has a reputation for getting the best out of players, including those written off elsewhere, and a move for Hastings could prove beneficial for both sides.
After a tumultuous couple of seasons on and off the field, a fresh start in the nation’s capital might be exactly what Hastings needs to reignite his career.