Jackson Hastings’ huge Super League return could reportedly still happen

Leeds Rhinos made a statement signing on Wednesday in a move that could pave the way for the return of former Wigan Warriors and Salford Red Devils star Jackson Hastings.

The Rhinos confirmed a major double coup of Salford duo Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers on Wednesday morning.

For the duo, the Rhinos paid a huge £300,000 with £200,000 for Croft and £100,000 on Andy Ackers.

This leaves Salford in need of recruit for next year and the club were shockingly linked with Jackson Hastings.

The halfback was linked to a return to the AJ Bell Stadium with Salford tipped to pay Newcastle Knights a fee for the former Man of Steel.

This came from The Mole of Wide World of Sports but this was denied by Hastings himself.

As Serious About Rugby League previously reported, Hastings said on social media: “The reports on my future this morning are completely false and fabricated as per regarding me. I’m extremely happy, settled & loving my footy at Newcastle and can’t wait to build on what we started this season. Don’t believe everything you read.”

But, as this was widely circulated, The Mole responded to those claiming it was fake news.

He claimed that the interest is still real and that Hastings wouldn’t be aware of the interest anyway.

The Mole said on X (previously known as Twitter): “Hastings would not even know about the interest in him as NO approach has been made. And the story says he has bought a house in Newcastle and is happy at the club.”

So, this would suggest that Hastings’ stunning return to Super League could still happen.

That being said, Salford’s reported financial trouble would suggest that the money paid for Croft and Ackers would go towards the club and keeping the club together moving forward.

It has already been reported that the club won’t be able to spend their full salary cap.

This is a similar case for the Castleford Tigers who according to Head of Recruitment Danny Wilson revealing the club won’t be able to spend the full cap in 2024.

Clubs have been widely impacted by the reduction in TV money.