The Newcastle Knights squad have played out their first trial taking on the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Industree Group Stadium on Saturday in a game that saw the triumphant return of former Wigan Warriors and Salford Red Devils star Jackson Hastings.
Jackson Hastings made a statement in Super League from 2018-2021 before joining Wests Tigers in 2022. Then in 2023, he moved to Newcastle Knights and has been a success ever since.
He had a nasty injury at the end of last season but the game at the weekend represented his return.
In hot conditions down on the Central Coast, the side finished the game with eight tries to the Sharks three plus claimed maximum points of 15 to start the Pre-Season Challenge including bonus points for tries, offloads and line-breaks.
After overcoming a 12-point deficit to start the game, a host of first-graders and up-and-coming players were on display with the score finishing 44-18 to Newcastle.
Jackson Hasting stares in big win
TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 24: Jackson Hastings of the Tigers looks dejected after losing the round 19 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Wests Tigers at Qld Country Bank Stadium, on July 24, 2022, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
The match kicked off on the Central Coast with centre Krystian Mapapalangi forced from the field early due to concussion following the first tackle.
After a shaky start from the Knights, Cronulla opened the scoring through Jayden Berrell. The Sharks doubled their lead when Sione Katoa scored their second. Newcastle reduced the deficit when young winger Kyle McCarthy scored the red and blue’s first.
A towering bomb came down to Laitia Moceidreke, who batted the ball back to McCarthy to score.
Off the bench, Jack Cogger provided an immediate impact with a pinpoint 40/20 to put the Knights on the attack.
Dylan Lucas continued his form from last season scoring the Knights second. After receiving an inside pass from Jackson Hastings, the forward burst through the defence to bring the Knights level.
Young dummy-half Riley Jones put the Knights ahead with four minutes until half-time.
The Knights scored their fourth try in succession when Jackson Hastings played provider once again for Dylan Lucas’ second try of the game. A well weighted chip from the halfback sat up for Lucas to extend the Knights lead.
Sharks forward Tom Hazelton was sent to the sin-bin for a high shot on Mat Croker. The Knights took advantage of the extra man with David Armstrong pouncing on the wing.
A late offload from Tom Jenkins freed up the speedster, who grounded the ball on the line to continue the scoring for Newcastle.
Armstrong was in the thick of the action again, this time setting up Jack Cogger for the Knights sixth of the afternoon.
A quick attacking raid down the right-hand side had Armstrong running into the back field before a precision kick back into the open field sat up for Cogger to score.
Off-season signing from Huddersfield, Will Pryce was injected into the action and would have first four-pointer in the red and blue jumper.
The skillful outside-back showcased his footwork to beat a Sharks defender and run into score.
The Knights continued to score points with David Armstrong claiming his second of the afternoon.
A kick from Will Pryce sat up in the in-goal and the winger won the race to the ball.
Jack Hetherington almost produced a brilliant try-saving effort, but the Sharks would score their third of the match through Tom Rodwell.
