Jackson Hastings in positional switch after Wests Tigers boss Michael Maguire threatens shake-up

Jackson Hastings has been given the green light by Wests Tigers head coach Michael Maguire to make a huge move within the side.

Hastings has performed at stand-off in 2022 so far in order to accommodate the much maligned Luke Brooks.

However, Maguire has bit the bullet and moved Brooks to number 6 and Hastings to 7 in what will be the former Wigan Warriors star’s first game back following a three-match ban.

Hastings was placed on report for a dangerous tackle on Tex Hoy in the first-half of Wests’ dismal 26-4 defeat to Newcastle Knights in round two, but the former Wigan Warriors and Salford Red Devils maverick enjoyed 180 running metres – the highest of any Tigers player.

Wests legend Benji Marshall was highly critical of the Tigers’ performance and head coach Michael Maguire responded in defiant fashion.

“There’s areas of that (lack of effort). Everyone’s got their opinion. We’ll have a look at how we played and what we need to do,” Maguire said of Marshall’s criticism to the Daily Telegraph.

Asked about changes so early in the year, he said: “I’ll have another look at the game and go from there.”

For Hastings, the tackle wasn’t received very well in the commentary box.

“That’s a dangerous one, that’s not a good one,” said Nine commentator Mat Thompson.

Hastings will be keen to make up for lost time this weekend against the Parramatta Eels with the Tigers currently sitting at the bottom of the NRL with no wins from five games – the only side so far to boast this record.