When Jackson Hastings arrived at Salford midway through the 2018 Super League season, little was known in the UK about the new Australian hitting these shores.
Wind the clock forward to 2021 and Hastings’ name was on the tip of most people’s tongues having earned a move back to the NRL with the Wests Tigers.
It’s a transformation that only a select few sportsmen can ever achieve, but the 25-year-old is the first to admit that he needed the help to make that change – and he has now paid tribute to Salford director of rugby Ian Blease for doing just that.
Hastings tweeted: “Want to wish my man @Ianblease1 a very happy birthday. You know what it is mate, I appreciate you and everything you’ve done and do for me and my family. This photo led to some of the best days of my life thanks for saving my career. Enjoy it pal you’re the man.”
Want to wish my man @Ianblease1 a very happy birthday. You know what it is mate, I appreciate you and everything you’ve done and do for me and my family. This photo led to some of the best days of my life thanks for saving my career. Enjoy it pal you’re the man. 🎉 pic.twitter.com/un8KWm6Edx
— Jackson Hastings (@JackoHastings) January 2, 2022
In fact, Hastings’ development has been so good that he appears to be the front-runner for the number 6 shirt at his new club Wests.
The former Wigan Warriors and Salford Red Devils star moved to Wests following the culmination of the 2021 Super League season and has quickly impressed in his new surroundings.
As such, Hastings looks destined to take the halfback’s shirt, despite Tyrone Peachey joining the club as well as Adam Doueihi’s move into the halves.
Hastings took the number 31 at Salford and Wigan, but with the NRL not launching squad numbers before the season, it looks as though he will take the number 6 instead.
Doueihi will be out until around round 10 with an ACL injury which will allow Hastings to establish himself firmly as Luke Brooks’ halfback partner.
But, the halfback still hasn’t forgotten how he has been able to get there in the NRL.
