Tim Sheens reveals halfback stance which leaves question marks over ex-Wigan Warriors halfback Jackson Hastings’ future

Wests Tigers are at the heart of discussions about transfers at present.

New boss Tim Sheens is reportedly chasing both Mitchell Moses and John Bateman but there are huge question marks over recruitment at present as well.

The Tigers have three options in the halves in the shape of Luke Brooks, Adam Doueihi and former Wigan Warriors and Salford Red Devils halfback Jackson Hastings.

All three are now free to negotiate with new clubs for 2024 as they enter the final year of their current deals.

With Moses expected to join in 2024, at least one if not more of them are expected to move on beyond the 2023 whilst there is an expectation that one of Luke Brooks and Jackson Hastings will leave ahead of the 2023 campaign.

Fox League reported that only one of them would stay at the club in 2023 and that if Hastings wanted to cement himself as a seven in the NRL, he’d need a move especially with so many clubs currently chasing a number seven.

Hastings’ future has been further shrouded in doubt with the comments of Sheens recently who has revealed that Luke Brooks is indeed his halfback for 2023 and that there has been no movement from Newcastle Knights despite the fact that this has been a persistent rumour.

“It’s not our intention to release him, and there’s been no request from Newcastle. It’s been talked and talked and talked about,” Sheens told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“He’s due to turn up here on November 14, and I’m looking forward to working with him. Benji Marshall and I are looking forward to getting our hands on him.

“Right at the moment, there’s been no movement from the Knights and we’re moving forward with him as our halfback.”

So, this leaves Hastings looking at playing 13 as he did at the end of last season or facing a move.

Wests have not entered into negotiations with any of Hastings, Brooks or Doueihi.