Jackson Hasting’s message for Leeds Rhinos’ Harry Newman & thoughts on potential penalty try for Salford Red Devils

Amongst all the drama of yesterday’s semi-final, the final story thread of its predecessor, the tussle between Wigan and Leeds for the other spot in the Grand Final was somewhat lost.

This story was of course that of Harry Newman’s injury which reached a disappointing conclusion in the hours after St Helens’ booked their place to join Newman’s Leeds at Old Trafford.

Newman has missed the last month or so with a third hamstring injury of 2022 but many hoped he would return to help in Leeds’ quest for glory or at least the World Cup.

Optimism grew when he was named in the 21-man squad for Leeds’ first play-off game against Catalans but did not feature. Many though believed he would then make his return in the semi-final against Wigan but wasn’t named in the 21-man squad.

After the game and Leeds’ amazing win, Rohan Smith confirmed he wouldn’t be playing in the Grand Final before a statement from the Rhinos confirmed the young centre had suffered an injury setback ending his Super League season and any hopes of playing in the World.

A devastated Newman subsequently took to Twitter to say: “Truly Broken…but here’s to 2023! Proud of the boys this year! One more to go!”

But he has been given some encouragement by one of Super League’s best players in recent years in the shape of 2019 Man of Steel Jackson Hastings.

Hastings guided both Salford and Wigan to Grand Finals in 2019 and 2020 and has sent Newman an encouraging message believing he will be able to return from this stronger just as he did after his double leg break: “Keep your head up lad. You’ve made an unbelievable comeback from an injury already, just another challenge. Your luck will turn bro.”

Keep your head up lad. You’ve made an unbelievable comeback from an injury already, just another challenge. Your luck will turn bro.

— Jackson Hastings (@JackoHastings) September 18, 2022

Hastings is on the road to his own impressive comeback after injury and is hoping to play for England in the World Cup.

But whilst sat on the sidelines he was able to watch his former team Salford battle it out with Champions St Helens for a spot at Old Trafford.

The unlucky Red Devils lost out to impressive Champions St Helens but a crucial moment went against them when Tim Lafai was denied a penalty try after Tommy Makinson taking him out as he chased a kick.

A penalty was given and Makinson was yellow carded but many felt that the Red Devils should have had six points which would have made it 19-18 going into the last few minutes.

Hastings himself believes a penalty try should have been awarded simply saying: “Penalty try? He’s scoring that.”

Penalty try? He’s scoring that.

— Jackson Hastings (@JackoHastings) September 17, 2022

That said, he doesn’t think it cost Salford the game saying: “I’m not saying they win or lose because of it. But Lafai is in front and scores easy in my opinion.”

I’m not saying they win or loose because of it. But lafai is infront and scores easy imo,

— Jackson Hastings (@JackoHastings) September 17, 2022

Hastings also praised St Helens’ brilliant ruck defence saying: “Saints ruck defence is and has been the best in the league for years, Salford need to let the shackles off and move the footy.”