Ex-Warrington Wolves star has say on Jackson Hastings move & says his time at Salford Red Devils was key

Yesterday Jackson Hastings surprise move from Wests Tigers to Newcastle Knights in a swap deal alongside David Klemmer was confirmed.

It comes just a year after he left Wigan Warriors for the Tigers.

It was a move that was a must for the Knights after the loss of Mitchell Pearce to Catalans Dragons in 2021 and the recent departure of Jake Clifford to Hull FC.

One ex-Warrington Wolves halfback was said to have been key to the signing.

Andrew Johns reportedly had a phone call with Hastings to convince him of the move and now Johns has talked up the quality he’ll bring and believes that his time at Salford Red Devils was essential.

“I think it’s a great buy, a really good buy. I worked with Jackson years ago when I was at the Roosters, and he had so much talent,” Johns told WWOS.

“He went to England and sharpened up his trade. I watched from afar what he did at Salford, the way he played there, and obviously getting the Man of Steel.

“I’m pumped for him to come to Newcastle. It helps our club, it helps our team. He’s an on-ball player, he’s an out-and-out organising No.7.”

“(Hastings) is an on-ball old-fashioned halfback who just follows the ball and gets his hands on the ball as much as possible,” Johns said.

“Which then frees up Kalyn to go anywhere and play, look for opportunities and communicate to Jackson to get the ball off him.

“I know Kalyn will be one of the best attacking five-eighths in the world. I’ve done bits and pieces with him. Last Friday I was up there… he’s just all class.”