Salford win the Battle for Hastings

Salford Red Devils have announced they have agreed a one year contract extension to keep star half back Jackson Hastings at the AJ Bell Stadium until the end of next season .

Hastings had been heavily linked with a move to Wigan but the 22 year old , who qualifies to play for England , said it was ‘the easiest decision he’s ever made ‘ to stay with the Red Devils .

Hastings arrived at the AJ Bell in July and his performances have caught the eye of all the top clubs in Super League , but the club have managed to persuade him to have another year at Salford with the player himself stating

‘“When I laid in bed at night weighing up my options I really couldn’t see myself playing anywhere else over here.
The amount of support the Club gave me through a tough time in my life, the love that I’ve got from the fans and the respect I’ve got from the playing group is something that if I’d walked away from it I know I wouldn’t have been happy with.
“I’m happy with my decision and hopefully we can kick on and have a good season next year.”

Coach Ian Watson expressed his joy saying   “Signing Jackson for the 2019 season is a great piece of business by the Club and a great piece of business for Super League as a whole.
“His energy and enthusiasm around the Club and the boys is infectious and you can see in the games he’s played how it lifts people around him. We have always had effort and commitment from our team but Jackson has lifted the pressure and allowed others to just play and enjoy the game.
“Jackson wants to lead a team and be the dominant half and that fits perfectly within our team dynamics” .

This is a massive coup for the Red Devils and could be the catalyst to persuade more players to sign on at the club as they look to build on finishing top of the middle 8 on what at times has been a tough season .

The club are set to announce a squad builder scheme where fans are invited to help the club finance the purchase of more high profile players .