Fans of Super League were left quite surprised earlier this week, when St Helens announced the signing of former Salford Red Devils and Wigan Warriors man, Jackson Hastings.
The 2019 Man of Steel is back in Super League after departing the Cherry and Whites in 2021. He has since played for Wests Tigers and Newcastle Knights, making 43 appearances in his second spell Down Under.
He joins the Red Vee on a one-year deal, and will reunite with Paul Rowley, whom he worked with at Salford in 2019.
It’s fair to say that the move came as a shock for the majority of supporters, with barely any inkling given that the a UK move for the half-back was even on the cards.
Readers of Serious About RL on Facebook were very vocal when the move was announced, some of which have been collated here. There were plenty of mixed opinions given over whether the addition is a good one for the Saints.
Rugby League fans react to Jackson Hastings’ St Helens move
Fans across rugby league, not just of Saints, were happy to see him back in Super League, and believe that he will thrive working with Rowley once again.
Shane Weedall: Rowley is a great coach, whoever he brings in, there is a reason for it. Good luck
Graham Berks: Rowley knows what he’s doing. Lining Hastings up to play alongside young Whitby with Lomax supporting from the bench. Great signing for Red V
Richard Harrison: Rowley knows what makes him tick, this guy will be a revelation!
Craig Ham: He will be great in SL
Christopher Thornton: Don’t knock him, we brought Sezer back and he was brilliant last year and also great asset to our youngsters
Alan Clark: He is a good player glad to see him back
Neil Poppleton: Just what they need Hull fc supporter
John Potts: One of the best I’ve seen do it. Good signing.
Others, were less impressed with the news, and believed that Hastings’ prime may already be behind him.
David Shankland: Nowt major about it. Well past his best
Chris Hayes: Major signing is a bit far. Great player in the past
Steve Ledger: Scraping the barrel
John Dalton
November 22, 2025 at 6:19 pm
What do they need another half for? Surely they have more positions of need, but what do I know!
John
November 23, 2025 at 3:31 pm
Because they don’t actually have anyone in the halves who is any good. Witness their total inability to break down the best defences in SL last season.
Hastings may be getting on in years but he has to be an improvement!