St Helens will once again have questions asked of their spine in 2026, particularly after adding former Super League Man of Steel Jackson Hastings to their squad.

In an off-season of change that’s seen Paul Wellens leave and Paul Rowley handed the head coaching role, the ex-Salford coach has signed a former Salford star in Jackson Hastings.

Hastings has been constantly linked with a Super League return but it’s now come to fruition as the 29-year-old leaves Newcastle Knights and becomes St Helens’ major signing for 2026.

He will be one of several options to play in the halves alongside last year’s star signing Tristan Sailor, club captain Jonny Lomax, England international Jack Welsby, and rising star George Whitby.

Paul Wellens failed to nail down his preferred spine in 2025, something that many saw as costly, and speaking at a fan event recently, Paul Rowley confirmed that honesty and being open with the players will be key in approaching the season.

Is Jackson Hastings a certain starter for St Helens?

Rowley also noted that the club had signed Hastings for a reason in a possible hint that he could be one of the two starting halves, and that seems to be the consensus among Super League fans.

Serious About Rugby League asked fans: “Should Jackson Hastings start for St Helens in 2026?”, leading to a flurry of answers but a general consensus that the Australian should be handed the keys.

Michael Love: Yes… Lomax is coming to the end of his career and Tristan Sailor hasn’t quite found his spot to play his best.

Paul Johnston: That’s the whole point in buying him.

Dave Owen: Yes, Lomax on the bench.

Ray Jevins: Looks like Lomax could possibly be the bench number nine.

Mike Fryer: Yes, his kicking game is what’s been missing.

Chris Lamb: Lomax will be a cover player this year. Hastings and Sailor in the halves with Whitby as backup and prodigy to Hastings.

Jonny Swift: Yes and Sailor six, his kicking game is what we need.

Ian Williams: Quality player. Just the type of half back that can you playing some decent attacking rugby.

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