Former Super League star Jackson Hastings ignites scrap during NRL game

Jackson Hastings has had a mixed time in the NRL since leaving Wigan Warriors to return down under at the end of the 2021 season.

The 28-year-old is now in his second season with the Newcastle Knights, following a sole season with Wests Tigers in 2022 where he failed to impress.

But since arriving at the Knights, Hastings has enjoyed a better time of things, scoring seven tries in 26 games, while helping the New South Wales outfit to a top-five finish in the last campaign.

The 2024 season has been tough so far for the former Salford Red Devils and Wigan Warriors star, with Newcastle down in 15^th with only two wins from seven games.

Frustration boils over for Hastings

Frustration for Hastings and Knights has been evident so far in 2024, with a narrow defeat against the Sydney Roosters last time out putting more pressure on the 2019 Man of Steel to perform.

And just two minutes in their recent Sunday afternoon clash with the Canterbury Bulldogs, things boiled over for Hastings who clashed with Labenese winger Jacob Kiraz.

After giving away a penalty for holding on in the tackle, Hastings appeared to needlessly walk into Kiraz as he returned to the Knights defensive line.

That unsurprisingly ignited a flair-up between the players as Kiraz responded by grabbing hold of Hastings’ shirt, before players from both teams ran in to confront each other.

Watch the incident here.

Jackson Hastings and Newcastle Knights poor start

After the referee broke up the incident between Hastings and Kiraz, it’s unclear whether it was an attempt to ruffle a few feathers or just pure frustration from the former England international.

If it was an attempt to throw the Bulldogs off their game, it didn’t work. It turned out to be another tough day at the office for Newcastle as they were downed 36-12.

It’s a result that adds pressure to the Knights, who were predicted by many to make the finals this year. In their next game, they travel to the high-flying Dolphins in search of a much-needed win.