Jackson Hastings Super League links decoded as NRL exit reports return
There doesn't seem to be a week that goes by when Jackson Hastings isn't linked with a move to Super League. This week is no different.
Yet again, the former Super League Man of Steel is being linked with a move back to the competition, with reports in Australia claiming his current club, Newcastle Knights, is open to freeing up his salary and allowing him to leave the final year of his contract.
The report in the Daily Telegraph went on to claim that a Super League return was the most likely scenario for Hastings, who spent three-and-a-half seasons in Super League with Salford Red Devils and Wigan Warriors.
A two-time Grand Finalist, Hastings is linked with Super League frequently. And it is regularly shut down from all angles too. Once again, sources are suggesting there is no substance behind the prospect of returning to the competition, with several people telling Rugby League Live there are no plans for Hastings to return to the UK next year. Despite the reports, he is still expected to be a Newcastle Knights player in 2025.
When Hastings left Super League for Newcastle, he was quoted at the time as saying he would be open to returning later in his career. Now 28, Hastings is in the prime years of his career and despite being left out of the Newcastle team at times this year, he has still played regularly, featuring 16 times. He has scored three tries and notched 12 assists for good measure.
Another important point is that Hastings is due to earn £400,000 next year, which would make him the most expensive player in Super League. The Knights would have to chip in a substantial amount of money to make a move to the competition viable and that's something they would most likely be unwilling to do considering he still has an important role in their side.
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