Ex-Wigan Warriors and Salford Red Devils star Jackson Hastings given lengthy ban

Former Wigan Warriors and Salford Red Devils star Jackson Hasting has been handed a three-match ban.

Hastings was in hot water for a dangerous tackle in Wests Tigers’ dismal 26-4 defeat to Newcastle Knights at the weekend.

The halfback was placed on report for a dangerous tackle on Tex Hoy in the first-half, but the former Wigan Warriors and Salford Red Devils maverick enjoyed 180 running metres – the highest of any Tigers player.

Wests legend Benji Marshall was highly critical of the Tigers’ performance and head coach Michael Maguire responded in defiant fashion.

“There’s areas of that (lack of effort). Everyone’s got their opinion. We’ll have a look at how we played and what we need to do,” Maguire said of Marshall’s criticism to the Daily Telegraph.

Asked about changes so early in the year, he said: “I’ll have another look at the game and go from there.”

For Hastings, the tackle wasn’t received very well in the commentary box.

“That’s a dangerous one, that’s not a good one,” said Nine commentator Mat Thompson.

It’s been a mixed back for Hastings so far, impressing greatly in last week’s defeat to Melbourne Storm but may well face a ban for the tackle.

The halfback’s transformation in three-and-a-half years in Super League was incredible and the halfback earned the right to return home and take a much improved deal with Wests.

Jackson Hastings will miss the next three matches after failing to have his dangerous throw charge downgraded at the judiciary.

— NRL (@NRL) March 22, 2022