Inside Jackson Hastings’ shock St Helens move, including George Whitby conversations and his long-term future.
14:43, 01 Dec 2025Updated 14:47, 01 Dec 2025
Jackson Hastings will be back in Super League for 2026 with St Helens. Getty Images.
Jackson Hastings has lifted the lid on his surprise move to St Helens, signing a one-year deal that marks his return to England after successful spells with Salford and Wigan.
The 29-year-old, crowned Man of Steel in 2019, is set to reunite with Paul Rowley at the newly named The BrewDog Stadium and will aim to light up Super League once again after four years in the NRL with Wests Tigers and Newcastle Knights.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ The Bench podcast, Hastings explained the backstory behind his move – keeping in touch with Rowley during his time back home in Australia.
“It’s kind of weird how it all came about,” Hastings said on his move.
“I messaged Paul Rowley when he got the job, I stayed in contact with him throughout the time he took over as Salford head coach.
“He did a lot for me in that year at Salford when he came in as an assistant, he was very hands on with me and was very good for my mentality towards the game. I always had the utmost respect for him.
“When he got the Saints job, it was almost a joke – but it wasn’t a joke – saying if you need me, I’m always here kind of thing.
“Then that progressed really quickly, and we had some internal conversations with people at St Helens – Mike Rush and Rowley in particular – and the way we managed to keep it in-house, showed a really good start to our relationship. They beat me in two Grand Finals, so I’m hoping I’m on the right side of the fortunes this year.”
Hastings could line up alongside Jonny Lomax or Tristan Sailor in the halves – having grown up with the latter in Australia – while 19-year-old academy product Whitby will be looking to build on his 11 senior appearances in 2025.
The Great Britain international confirmed that discussions around Whitby’s development were central to negotiations.
“A big thing that the club pushed to me, which I was really keen on, was helping George Whitby become not only the next great St Helens half-back, but English half-back,” Hastings said.
“When they mentioned that to me, that gave me real excitement to show the real leader that I know I am, put my arm around him and actually bring him up with me and who knows, maybe potentially play together.
“That was a really big draw for me, to actually help a kid with so much potential and all the skills and attributes, then the little parts of his game and away from footy, the parts I can help him with.”
Hastings has joined Saints on a one-year deal but says he is open to staying longer – provided he earns that opportunity.
“I don’t know, there was talk of doing an option [for 2027]. But for me, the big message that I wanted to get across was, I’m not coming over just because I had to – I want to come and prove my worth,” he said.
“If I’m good enough to earn another contract at St Helens, that would be the first option to stay there.
“It’s a two-way street, I’ve got to earn that contract, but that contract has got to be there to sign.
“My sole focus is on 2026, I know that’s cliché, but it’s about playing the best footy I can and helping this club win as many trophies as we can.”