Jackson Hastings’s influence revealed over new Championship signing

Jackson Hastings has been pictured in training for his new side Wests Tigers after leaving Super League following three-and-a-half years in the UK.

Periods spent at the Salford Red Devils and Wigan Warriors left Hastings fully enamoured with the rugby league fraternity on these shores and he has apparently been vital in securing a signing for a Championship side.

That side is the Leigh Centurions, whom this morning announced the capture of highly-rated Wests Tigers prop Tom Amone.

Amone, in his first interview with the club since joining, revealed that former Wigan halfback Jackson Hastings, who has recently joined Wests Tigers, recommended he try his luck in England.

And that advice, plus the opportunity to be coached by Adrian Lam, made up his mind.

“Jackson and I have the same manager,” Tom said. “He told me to go over to England and said I’d love to play there. Jackson played under Adrian at Wigan and said that Leigh would be a good club for me.

“My manager, too, advised that it would be a good move to go overseas, and that Leigh was a good club, with all the facilities and the fan base and with Adrian being there.

“I’m a little bit nervous but I’m also very excited and I can’t wait to get over to the UK and prepare for a big season ahead. I know what the ambitions of the club are, and I want to play my part in helping Leigh Centurions achieve their goal of getting back into Super League.

“Who knows? If things work out as planned, I may stay for a long time. I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates and all the staff and fans.”