Jackson Hastings has revealed the role that St Helens want him to play whilst at the club, and it is one he is certainly looking forward to.
The former Super League Man of Steel is back in the top flight after linking up with the Red Vee for 2026.
Signing a one-year deal, Hastings’ signature was kept a complete surprise until the club announced his arrival at the end of November.
Questions have been asked over how he will fit into the St Helens team, with the side already having a plethora of playmakers in the halves, including Jonny Lomax, Tristan Sailor and George Whitby.
He revealed what his main focus next year will be when speaking to Sky Sports’ Jenna Brooks on The Bench podcast, in what is the first interview he has done since his move was confirmed.
Revealing it was one of the main reasons that made him decide to join Saints, Hastings will be used as a mentor to up-and-coming talent, Whitby, as he begins life as a regular first-team player.
The 19-year-old has made 12 appearances for the club so far, and also spent time on loan at Halifax in the Championship.
The club have huge faith in the half-back to go on and become one of the key players in the team, and Hastings is hoping he can help Whitby achieve that next year.
“A big thing that the club pushed to me, which I was really keen on, was helping George Whitby become the next, not only great St Helens half-back, but English half-back,” said Hastings.
“When they mentioned that to me, that gave me a real excitement about not proving to anyone else, but just showing myself, the real leader that I know I am and putting my arm around him and actually bringing him up with me and who knows, maybe possibly playing together.
“That was a really big draw for me, funnily enough, to actually help a kid that I’ve watched on TV.”
On Whitby’s quality, the former Wigan and Salford man added: “He’s got so much potential. He’s got the skills and attributes, but I think there’s little parts of his game, and then also away from footy that I can help him with, help him relax a little bit away from football and maybe find a hobby. I don’t know.
“I don’t really know him yet, but just little things away from the game that I feel like, over a long period of time, that I’ve been able to develop will help him on the field.”
Hastings himself has played alongside some of the best halfbacks the sport has ever seen when he was coming through the NRL ranks, including Cooper Cronk and Daly Cherry-Evans. He knows how important it is to have that senior figure guiding you through you’re development, which is why he is looking forward to mentoring Whitby.
“The best role models are the ones that aren’t worried about their spot in the team, they’re worried about the team,” he said.
“Part of worrying about the team for me is actually letting George into all my secrets and all my knowledge and what I’ve done good and bad, and what I struggle with, and what I succeed with and actually filling him with all that information, as opposed to withholding it and being worried that he might take my job.”
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