Former Salford Red Devils and Wigan Warriors star Jackson Hastings has been very vocal on his desire to stay in the NRL, and now he may have just received a lifeline, with a new club reportedly willing to give him another crack at the competition Down Under.
Hastings is currently out of contract following his exit from Newcastle Knights, and has gone on record earlier this month to say he ‘needs’ an NRL deal, with family reasons forcing him to stay in Australia.
The half-back made 43 appearances for the Knights across the past three seasons, but will now depart the club and as it stands has no future deal lined up.
However, that could be about to change with Australian news outlet Zero Tackle reporting that Hastings is a potential suitor for a leading NRL club.
The Canberra Raiders are allegedly interested in his signature, with multiple reasons cited for the Green Machine wanting to bring him in.
First, the departure of Adam Cook to Leigh Leopards means that there is a half-back role that needs replacing in the side. Whilst Cook wasn’t first choice, and neither will Hastings be if he signs, he will still be a key squad player given his experience.
That experience is another reason for Canberra wanting the ex-Super League Man of Steel. The Raiders currently have young playmaker Ethan Sanders in the squad, and it is thought that, if Hastings is signed, he will be a mentor for the 21-year-old and will help him progress to being a regular first-team player.
Sanders made his first two NRL appearances this season, and will continue to improve under the tutelage of Ricky Stuart, who himself is a former half-back. Hastings’ addition would only help his development, and it also gives the Salford hero another chance to play NRL again.
If the 29-year-old was to sign at the Raiders, it is reported that he would have to take a major pay-cut for that to happen.
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