Huge shock decision made on former Wigan Warriors star Jackson Hastings

A massive and shocking decision has been made on former Wigan Warriors and Salford Red Devils star Jackson Hastings.

According to reports, ahead of their Round Three clash in the NRL this weekend, the halfback has been dropped by Adam O’Brien.

Hastings won the Man of Steel at Salford Red Devils in 2019 as he guided the club to a shock Grand Final before joining Wigan Warriors in 2020 and helped them finish top and reach the Grand Final themselves.

At the end of 2021, he left to join Wests Tigers which was an ill-fated move but one that led him to the Newcastle Knights in 2023 where he excelled and was one of the best number sevens in the league.

But now, just weeks into the new season, the former Wigan Warriors halfback has been dropped.

Former Wigan Warriors star Jackson Hastings to play NSW Cup

According to reports from Fox League, Hastings will be replaced by former Huddersfield Giants halfback Jack Cogger as he plays in the NSW Cup instead.

Fox League reported: “Newcastle playmaker Jackson Hastings is the latest halfback to pay the price for his club’s 0-2 start to the season with no.7 axed to NSW Cup.

“Hastings, who was a key member of the Knights 10-match winning streak into the finals last year, will be replaced by Jack Cogger.

“The Knights were soundly beaten by the Raiders in round one before almost landing a major upset against North Queensland in Townsville last weekend until the Cowboys prevailed by a point.

“Cogger was signed by Newcastle late last year before playing a key role in the Panthers epic grand final comeback against the Broncos.”

The team was confirmed as such: Newcastle Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Enari Tuala 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Jed Cartwright 18. Brodie Jones 19. Will Pryce 20. Mathew Croker 21. Dylan Lucas 22. Jackson Hastings

His former Wigan Warriors teammate Kai Pearce-Paul again starts in the backrow as Will Pryce is named in the squad but like Hastings is set to miss out barring a last minute change.