Former Wigan Warriors and Salford Red Devils halfback and former Man of Steel winner, Jackson Hastings joined the Knights from the start of the 2023 season.
After previous stints in the NRL with the Sydney Roosters and Manly Sea Eagles, ‘Jacko’ made the move to England before going on to claim the Player of the Year award for Salford in 2019.
In his first season in Newcastle, the halfback played a key role in guiding the Knights to the finals providing 10 forced-drop-outs and seven try-assists.
A natural No.7 with ball playing and game-management attributes, Hastings is signed on until at least the end of the 2025 season.
Hastings is 27 has played 85 NRL games after making his debut with the Sydney Roosters in 2014, along with 75 Super League appearances and four Test caps for Great Britain.
However, after a terrific first season with Newcastle, Hastings suffered an injury but today he has taken a huge step in his rehab returning to the pitch for the first time in what Hastings himself has described as “milestone day.”
Hastings has been well loved since joining the club with Director of Football Peter Parr praising the 2019 Super League Man of Steel for the wide range of skills and experience he brought to the club.
“We are delighted to have Jackson secured,” Parr said, “He compliments our playing roster and adds further depth to our halves, with the additional bonus of being a competent goal kicker.
“Jackson is at a stage of his career where he is coming into his prime and we believe his best years are ahead of him.”
The value Hastings brought to the club was underlined by the fact the Knights have also agreed to immediately release front-rower David Klemmer from the final year of his current five-year contract, allowing him to take up a multi-year deal with another NRL club for next season. This was part of the deal to sign Hastings.
Klemmer joined the Knights in 2019, going on to make 81 appearances in the red and blue jersey, including finals in 2020 and 2021.
Hastings is set for another big year at Newcastle after recent talk he could return to Salford Red Devils was shot down.
