A return to Super League has been labelled the “most likely” scenario for exiled Newcastle Knights half-back Jackson Hastings.
The sticking point is that the former Man of Steel is on a reported $800,000 for the 2025 season, which converts to just over £400,000, far beyond the marquee player figure in Super League.
Newcastle Knights have major salary cap issues of their own which is why they’re having somewhat of a clearout and according to The Daily Telegraph, Jackson Hastings looks set to be the next victim of that.
The 28-year-old joined Newcastle as part of a swap deal with Wests Tigers, with whom he had struggled to make an impact, and despite playing the most games of any Knights half this season, the exit door looms.
Hastings has been dropped twice to the New South Wales Cup and has reportedly been told that he is “free to look elsewhere”, however, that $800,000 salary is a major stopping point for any potential move.
Could Jackson Hastings return to Super League?
Credit: Imago Images
With Jackson Hastings ‘free to look elsewhere’, assessing his options is a tough task with few clubs willing to pay that salary. The Knights will reportedly honour the contract but would potentially pay some of it for him to play elsewhere, just to get the money off their books.
It’s unclear how much the Knights would contribute but should it be a significant amount then the prospect of Jackson Hastings returning to Super League becomes far more realistic.
In fact, per The Daily Telegraph’s initial report: “A move back to the UK Super League is the most likely scenario.”
Jackson Hastings has not played in Super League since 2021 but at 28, the former Man of Steel should be hitting the peak of his powers and he would certainly garner huge Super League interest if the Knights are prepared to pay some of his salary.
During his time in England, he played in two Grand Finals, making shy of 100 appearances across his three-and-a-half-year spell. He had been linked with a move to Leeds Rhinos earlier in the season but that was rubbished.
