Chairman comments on the reported departure of former Wigan Warriors star from NRL club

There are big changes going on at Wests Tigers.

The club are chasing Mitchell Moses for 2024, have already begun piecing together a new look pack for 2023, are prepared to pay $250,000 for Wigan Warriors star John Bateman and are in the final stages of a swap deal.

This deal would see former Wigan Warriors and Salford Red Devils halfback Jackson Hastings leave the club after just one season to join Newcastle Knights after the departures of Mitchell Pearce to Catalans Dragons and Jake Clifford to Hull FC.

In the swap, prop David Klemmer would head the other way and join the Tigers for 2023 as former Hull KR boss Tim Sheens puts together a new look side for 2023 after a disappointing season in 2022.

It has been reported that Hastings’ departure is very close with the halfback told to not train this week.

A three-year deal is expected to be agreed.

However despite how close the deal appears to be Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis has refused to comment on the matter.

When asked about the swap deal, he said: “Nothing in particular, all recruitment and retention matters are dealt with in house until such time when there is a public announcement,” Hagipantelis said on SEN.

Despite the lack of official confirmation here, it sees Hastings’ move is a moving train.