Former Salford Red Devils and Wigan Warriors star Jackson Hastings has been linked with a shocking return to Super League to replace Leeds Rhinos bound stand off Brodie Croft at Salford.
Hastings won the Man of Steel at the club in 2019 and is widely regarded as one of the best halfbacks to play in Super League in recent times.
He has been excellent for Newcastle this year but remarkably Salford are set to make a play for Hastings according to the Mole of Wide World of Sports.
“He has just bought a house in Newcastle and is happy there,” a source close to Hastings told Wide World of Sports.
“There has been no approach yet but we have been hearing whispers.
“Jackson still has a lot of friends in Salford and fond memories of the club.
“So he will wait and see how it plays out if anything comes of it.”
Hastings won the Man of Steel with the club in 2019 as he guided them to the Grand Final for the first time.
The halfback joined mid way through 2018 and guided the club to survival.
He will be joined by former Leeds Rhinos centre Nene MacDonald.
The 29-year-old can operate at centre or winger and becomes our first signing of 2024 after being released from his contract at Leeds Rhinos earlier this month – remaining a Red Devil until the end of 2027.
In reaction to joining the club, Macdonald has said: “Firstly, thank you to the coaching staff and everyone behind the scenes that helped me get this deal over the line.
“It is an exciting time for me to start a new chapter in my life, with a great team.
“I am excited to get out there for 2024 and the style of footy Salford play really suits me.
“It’s a great team that can push to play in finals and win some trophies.
“Thanks to a good friend of mine, Krisnan Inu for putting in a good word and letting me know nothing but good things about the club.
“I am excited to get in front of the Salford fans, play some good footy and earn their respect!”
Head Coach, Paul Rowley has added: “Nene is a very significant addition to our team and I am looking forward to seeing him entertain our fans in 2024.
“I wanted to sign Nene two years ago – as he is very much my kind of athlete – so to eventually land him is fantastic.
“Massive credit goes to Krisnan Inu for bringing this deal from start to finish to our table, materialising from the friendship and respect he has with Nene and his advisors.
“Myself, Kurt and Kris are looking forward to welcoming Nene to our group and helping him show his best in a Salford shirt!”
Director of Rugby & Operations, Ian Blease has added: “Nene is a very exciting signing for our club.
“He is a player who knows exactly what it is like to play on the big occasions and will add some serious quality to the squad in 2024.
“I am sure he will excite the fans on a weekly basis. He is highly-skilled, intelligent and definitely the right fit for this team.
“I would like to welcome Nene to Salford and look forward to seeing what we can achieve together!”
