Exiled Knight poised to get nrl lifeline
JACKSON Hastings' wait is about to end.
Hastings is expected to be named in the Knights No.7 jumper for the round-15 clash with the Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday.
It has been 316 days since the much maligned playmaker last appeared in the NRL - a 30-14 defeat to the Broncos in round 20 last season.
On a contract worth $700,000 a year, Hastings has been overlooked in favour of Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland, Tyson Gamble and Will Pryce.
"For what we're trying to achieve at the moment, I don't believe Jackson could solve our issues," Knights coach Adam O'Brien said about Hastings last month.
Hastings has been linked to a mid-season move amid talk that he was on the outer at the Knights.
However, with Kalyn Ponga's selection for the Maroons in Origin II and Tyson Gamble sidelined with a broken thumb, Hastings' number has dropped.
He was 18th man for the come-from-behind 26-22 triumph over Manly and his form in NSW Cup has been strong.
In a 28-24 loss to the Dragons a fortnight ago, Hastings set up a try, ran 78 metres, made 23 tackles at 100 per cent and kicked a total of 538 metres.
Sharpe will move to fullback to cover for Ponga, with Cogger shifting to five-eighth.
However, Sharpe is under a slight injury cloud with a calf issue he sustained late against Manly.
Tyson Frizell is out with concusion, with Tyrone Thompson likely to come into the 17.
Bradman Best trained strongly on Monday and is a chance to return from a hamstring injury.
Hastings is off-contract at the end of the year and has been linked with a return to the Super League.
O'Brien has confirmed Hastings won't be at the Knights in 2026.
"The club has also been upfront and honest that going forward he won't be offered a new deal," O'Brien said.
The Roosters have been again hit heavy by Origin with Lindsay Collins and Robert Toia selected for Queensland and Angus Crichton, Connor Watson and Spencer Leniu in the Blues.
Sam Walker is a strong chance to return to first grade after a playing his first game back from a knee reconstruction in NSW Cup.
His return would likely come at the expense of Hugo Savala, with the halfback to earn a bench spot as cover.
Mark Nawaqanitawase will shift to centre with Dom Young onto the right wing in what shapes as his final game for the Roosters before rejoining the Knights.
The Knights are hoping the last-minute win against Manly can spark their season and end their struggles at home.
They have won just two of six games at home so far this year and are 15th on the ladder.
Newcastle fans booed the team off when they trailed Manly 16-0 at half-time, prompting O'Brien to react after the game.
Club great Matty Johns initially criticised O'Brien for his fan attack on Thursday night, saying on Fox Sports: "That's a bit rough.
"I'll tell you, those Newcastle people, from the days when I played right through we used to get booed sometimes and you cop it. Because those fans turn up even when it's pissing rain, hail, you're at the bottom of the ladder, they always turn up.
"And I think they pay their money and they've supported that side for so long that I think they're entitled to air their grievances."
But O'Brien made a swift apology to the supporters, calling a press conference on Friday morning to head off any fan revolt after realising he had erred in an emotional post-game response.
And there is genuine hope the second-half turnaround in Manly is the trigger for an upward turn for the season.
"Adam O'Brien after the game basically said the people who booed don't know rugby league," Johns said on his show on Sunday night.
"To Adam's credit, the next morning he [came] out and apologised.
"I think the fans there would understand and accept that apology.
"There's one thing about it ... I think he should almost thank the fans. Because the fans were after a reaction [by booing] in that second half and they certainly got it. A win they really, really needed."
JACKSON Hastings' wait is about to end.
Hastings is expected to be named in the Knights No.7 jumper for the round-15 clash with the Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday.
It has been 316 days since the much maligned playmaker last appeared in the NRL - a 30-14 defeat to the Broncos in round 20 last season.
On a contract worth $700,000 a year, Hastings has been overlooked in favour of Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland, Tyson Gamble and Will Pryce.
"For what we're trying to achieve at the moment, I don't believe Jackson could solve our issues," Knights coach Adam O'Brien said about Hastings last month.
Hastings has been linked to a mid-season move amid talk that he was on the outer at the Knights.
However, with Kalyn Ponga's selection for the Maroons in Origin II and Tyson Gamble sidelined with a broken thumb, Hastings' number has dropped.
He was 18th man for the come-from-behind 26-22 triumph over Manly and his form in NSW Cup has been strong.
In a 28-24 loss to the Dragons a fortnight ago, Hastings set up a try, ran 78 metres, made 23 tackles at 100 per cent and kicked a total of 538 metres.
Sharpe will move to fullback to cover for Ponga, with Cogger shifting to five-eighth.
However, Sharpe is under a slight injury cloud with a calf issue he sustained late against Manly.
Tyson Frizell is out with concusion, with Tyrone Thompson likely to come into the 17.
Bradman Best trained strongly on Monday and is a chance to return from a hamstring injury.
Hastings is off-contract at the end of the year and has been linked with a return to the Super League.
O'Brien has confirmed Hastings won't be at the Knights in 2026.
"The club has also been upfront and honest that going forward he won't be offered a new deal," O'Brien said.
The Roosters have been again hit heavy by Origin with Lindsay Collins and Robert Toia selected for Queensland and Angus Crichton, Connor Watson and Spencer Leniu in the Blues.
Sam Walker is a strong chance to return to first grade after a playing his first game back from a knee reconstruction in NSW Cup.
His return would likely come at the expense of Hugo Savala, with the halfback to earn a bench spot as cover.
Mark Nawaqanitawase will shift to centre with Dom Young onto the right wing in what shapes as his final game for the Roosters before rejoining the Knights.
The Knights are hoping the last-minute win against Manly can spark their season and end their struggles at home.
They have won just two of six games at home so far this year and are 15th on the ladder.
Newcastle fans booed the team off when they trailed Manly 16-0 at half-time, prompting O'Brien to react after the game.
Club great Matty Johns initially criticised O'Brien for his fan attack on Thursday night, saying on Fox Sports: "That's a bit rough.
"I'll tell you, those Newcastle people, from the days when I played right through we used to get booed sometimes and you cop it. Because those fans turn up even when it's pissing rain, hail, you're at the bottom of the ladder, they always turn up.
"And I think they pay their money and they've supported that side for so long that I think they're entitled to air their grievances."
But O'Brien made a swift apology to the supporters, calling a press conference on Friday morning to head off any fan revolt after realising he had erred in an emotional post-game response.
And there is genuine hope the second-half turnaround in Manly is the trigger for an upward turn for the season.
"Adam O'Brien after the game basically said the people who booed don't know rugby league," Johns said on his show on Sunday night.
"To Adam's credit, the next morning he [came] out and apologised.
"I think the fans there would understand and accept that apology.
"There's one thing about it ... I think he should almost thank the fans. Because the fans were after a reaction [by booing] in that second half and they certainly got it. A win they really, really needed."
JACKSON Hastings' wait is about to end.
Hastings is expected to be named in the Knights No.7 jumper for the round-15 clash with the Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday.
It has been 316 days since the much maligned playmaker last appeared in the NRL - a 30-14 defeat to the Broncos in round 20 last season.
On a contract worth $700,000 a year, Hastings has been overlooked in favour of Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland, Tyson Gamble and Will Pryce.
"For what we're trying to achieve at the moment, I don't believe Jackson could solve our issues," Knights coach Adam O'Brien said about Hastings last month.
Hastings has been linked to a mid-season move amid talk that he was on the outer at the Knights.
However, with Kalyn Ponga's selection for the Maroons in Origin II and Tyson Gamble sidelined with a broken thumb, Hastings' number has dropped.
He was 18th man for the come-from-behind 26-22 triumph over Manly and his form in NSW Cup has been strong.
In a 28-24 loss to the Dragons a fortnight ago, Hastings set up a try, ran 78 metres, made 23 tackles at 100 per cent and kicked a total of 538 metres.
Sharpe will move to fullback to cover for Ponga, with Cogger shifting to five-eighth.
However, Sharpe is under a slight injury cloud with a calf issue he sustained late against Manly.
Tyson Frizell is out with concusion, with Tyrone Thompson likely to come into the 17.
Bradman Best trained strongly on Monday and is a chance to return from a hamstring injury.
Hastings is off-contract at the end of the year and has been linked with a return to the Super League.
O'Brien has confirmed Hastings won't be at the Knights in 2026.
"The club has also been upfront and honest that going forward he won't be offered a new deal," O'Brien said.
The Roosters have been again hit heavy by Origin with Lindsay Collins and Robert Toia selected for Queensland and Angus Crichton, Connor Watson and Spencer Leniu in the Blues.
Sam Walker is a strong chance to return to first grade after a playing his first game back from a knee reconstruction in NSW Cup.
His return would likely come at the expense of Hugo Savala, with the halfback to earn a bench spot as cover.
Mark Nawaqanitawase will shift to centre with Dom Young onto the right wing in what shapes as his final game for the Roosters before rejoining the Knights.
The Knights are hoping the last-minute win against Manly can spark their season and end their struggles at home.
They have won just two of six games at home so far this year and are 15th on the ladder.
Newcastle fans booed the team off when they trailed Manly 16-0 at half-time, prompting O'Brien to react after the game.
Club great Matty Johns initially criticised O'Brien for his fan attack on Thursday night, saying on Fox Sports: "That's a bit rough.
"I'll tell you, those Newcastle people, from the days when I played right through we used to get booed sometimes and you cop it. Because those fans turn up even when it's pissing rain, hail, you're at the bottom of the ladder, they always turn up.
"And I think they pay their money and they've supported that side for so long that I think they're entitled to air their grievances."
But O'Brien made a swift apology to the supporters, calling a press conference on Friday morning to head off any fan revolt after realising he had erred in an emotional post-game response.
And there is genuine hope the second-half turnaround in Manly is the trigger for an upward turn for the season.
"Adam O'Brien after the game basically said the people who booed don't know rugby league," Johns said on his show on Sunday night.
"To Adam's credit, the next morning he [came] out and apologised.
"I think the fans there would understand and accept that apology.
"There's one thing about it ... I think he should almost thank the fans. Because the fans were after a reaction [by booing] in that second half and they certainly got it. A win they really, really needed."
JACKSON Hastings' wait is about to end.
Hastings is expected to be named in the Knights No.7 jumper for the round-15 clash with the Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday.
It has been 316 days since the much maligned playmaker last appeared in the NRL - a 30-14 defeat to the Broncos in round 20 last season.
On a contract worth $700,000 a year, Hastings has been overlooked in favour of Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland, Tyson Gamble and Will Pryce.
"For what we're trying to achieve at the moment, I don't believe Jackson could solve our issues," Knights coach Adam O'Brien said about Hastings last month.
Hastings has been linked to a mid-season move amid talk that he was on the outer at the Knights.
However, with Kalyn Ponga's selection for the Maroons in Origin II and Tyson Gamble sidelined with a broken thumb, Hastings' number has dropped.
He was 18th man for the come-from-behind 26-22 triumph over Manly and his form in NSW Cup has been strong.
In a 28-24 loss to the Dragons a fortnight ago, Hastings set up a try, ran 78 metres, made 23 tackles at 100 per cent and kicked a total of 538 metres.
Sharpe will move to fullback to cover for Ponga, with Cogger shifting to five-eighth.
However, Sharpe is under a slight injury cloud with a calf issue he sustained late against Manly.
Tyson Frizell is out with concusion, with Tyrone Thompson likely to come into the 17.
Bradman Best trained strongly on Monday and is a chance to return from a hamstring injury.
Hastings is off-contract at the end of the year and has been linked with a return to the Super League.
O'Brien has confirmed Hastings won't be at the Knights in 2026.
"The club has also been upfront and honest that going forward he won't be offered a new deal," O'Brien said.
The Roosters have been again hit heavy by Origin with Lindsay Collins and Robert Toia selected for Queensland and Angus Crichton, Connor Watson and Spencer Leniu in the Blues.
Sam Walker is a strong chance to return to first grade after a playing his first game back from a knee reconstruction in NSW Cup.
His return would likely come at the expense of Hugo Savala, with the halfback to earn a bench spot as cover.
Mark Nawaqanitawase will shift to centre with Dom Young onto the right wing in what shapes as his final game for the Roosters before rejoining the Knights.
The Knights are hoping the last-minute win against Manly can spark their season and end their struggles at home.
They have won just two of six games at home so far this year and are 15th on the ladder.
Newcastle fans booed the team off when they trailed Manly 16-0 at half-time, prompting O'Brien to react after the game.
Club great Matty Johns initially criticised O'Brien for his fan attack on Thursday night, saying on Fox Sports: "That's a bit rough.
"I'll tell you, those Newcastle people, from the days when I played right through we used to get booed sometimes and you cop it. Because those fans turn up even when it's pissing rain, hail, you're at the bottom of the ladder, they always turn up.
"And I think they pay their money and they've supported that side for so long that I think they're entitled to air their grievances."
But O'Brien made a swift apology to the supporters, calling a press conference on Friday morning to head off any fan revolt after realising he had erred in an emotional post-game response.
And there is genuine hope the second-half turnaround in Manly is the trigger for an upward turn for the season.
"Adam O'Brien after the game basically said the people who booed don't know rugby league," Johns said on his show on Sunday night.
"To Adam's credit, the next morning he [came] out and apologised.
"I think the fans there would understand and accept that apology.
"There's one thing about it ... I think he should almost thank the fans. Because the fans were after a reaction [by booing] in that second half and they certainly got it. A win they really, really needed."
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JACKSON Hastings will be playing for his rugby league future when the Newcastle Knights take on the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. As reported by the Newcastle Herald on Monday, Jackson has been recalled at halfback for the Knights' round-15 clash. It will be the much-maligned playmaker's first appearance in the NRL in nearly a year. On a contract worth $750,000 a season, Hastings has previously been overlooked in favour of Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland and Tyson Gamble. However, with Kalyn Ponga retaining his place at fullback for the Maroons in Origin II and Tyson Gamble out with a broken thumb, Hastings has been called upon. He will start in the No.7 jumper, with Sharpe covering at fullback and Cogger sliding out to five-eighth. Though believed to be on the outer, Hastings has been captain of the Knights' NSW Cup side and was 18th man for the NRL side's come-from-behind 26-22 triumph over Manly last round. Tyson Frzell is out with concussion, forcing a reshuffle to the pack. Matt Croker starts at prop, Phoenix Crossland switches to lock, with Jayden Brailey promoted from the bench to start at hooker. Matt Arthur is the new face in the interchange rotation. Bradman Best was close to a return from a hamstring injury, but coach Adam O'Brien has erred on the side of caution. Rookie Fletcher Hunt starts at left centre, with James Schiller on the wing. Jacob Saifiti (calf) and Jack Hetherington (shoulder) are at least a week away, while Leo Thompson has three games remaining on supension. There has been constant speculation around the reasons why Hastings hasn't been involved despite the Knights struggles in attack. O'Brien has confirmed the pivot won't be at the Knights in 2026. "The club has also been upfront and honest that going forward he won't be offered a new deal," O'Brien said last month. Baring injury to Ponga, Hastings appears unlikley to get many more opportunties in the NRL this season. The 29-year-old's agent, Sam Ayoub, did not return calls from the Herald on Tuesday. MORE NEWCASTLE SPORT Hastings has been linked to a return to the English Super League, where he previously starred for Salford and Wigan. Leeds have shown interetst and Castleford has emerged as another potential landing spot for Hastings, but not until next season. "I'm a big fan of Jackson, he took the competition by storm when he was here," Castleford coach Danny McGuire told Love Rugby League . "I'm not sure of his circumstances at the minute but he's a player I admire. However, he's not really one we've spoke about. "A lot of what we're doing is for next year. We're planning for that and the year after." Jackson's partner Amelia Smith gave birth to baby daughter, Scottie, in April. His journey into fatherhood has been a distraction from his NRL absence. "Scottie's debut, you dream of stuff like this. Never felt pride like it," Hastings posted on Instagram with a picture of Scottie at her first game last month. The Roosters, fresh from a bye, have lost Robert Toia, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Connor Watson and Spencer Leniu to Origin duties. Nat Butcher (knee) and Naufahu Whyte (knee) return from injury. Dom Young has been named on the wing in what is potentially his last game for the Roosters before returning to the Knights. He will play on the right flank, with Mark Nawaqanitawase to shift to centre in Toia's absence. Sam Walker starts at halfback in his first game in the NRL this season after a knee reconstruction. The Knights are hoping the last-minute win against Manly can spark their season and end their struggles at home. However, they have not beaten the Roosters since a 20-6 victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground on March 12, 2022. JACKSON Hastings will be playing for his rugby league future when the Newcastle Knights take on the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. As reported by the Newcastle Herald on Monday, Jackson has been recalled at halfback for the Knights' round-15 clash. It will be the much-maligned playmaker's first appearance in the NRL in nearly a year. On a contract worth $750,000 a season, Hastings has previously been overlooked in favour of Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland and Tyson Gamble. However, with Kalyn Ponga retaining his place at fullback for the Maroons in Origin II and Tyson Gamble out with a broken thumb, Hastings has been called upon. He will start in the No.7 jumper, with Sharpe covering at fullback and Cogger sliding out to five-eighth. Though believed to be on the outer, Hastings has been captain of the Knights' NSW Cup side and was 18th man for the NRL side's come-from-behind 26-22 triumph over Manly last round. Tyson Frzell is out with concussion, forcing a reshuffle to the pack. Matt Croker starts at prop, Phoenix Crossland switches to lock, with Jayden Brailey promoted from the bench to start at hooker. Matt Arthur is the new face in the interchange rotation. Bradman Best was close to a return from a hamstring injury, but coach Adam O'Brien has erred on the side of caution. Rookie Fletcher Hunt starts at left centre, with James Schiller on the wing. Jacob Saifiti (calf) and Jack Hetherington (shoulder) are at least a week away, while Leo Thompson has three games remaining on supension. There has been constant speculation around the reasons why Hastings hasn't been involved despite the Knights struggles in attack. O'Brien has confirmed the pivot won't be at the Knights in 2026. "The club has also been upfront and honest that going forward he won't be offered a new deal," O'Brien said last month. Baring injury to Ponga, Hastings appears unlikley to get many more opportunties in the NRL this season. The 29-year-old's agent, Sam Ayoub, did not return calls from the Herald on Tuesday. MORE NEWCASTLE SPORT Hastings has been linked to a return to the English Super League, where he previously starred for Salford and Wigan. Leeds have shown interetst and Castleford has emerged as another potential landing spot for Hastings, but not until next season. "I'm a big fan of Jackson, he took the competition by storm when he was here," Castleford coach Danny McGuire told Love Rugby League . "I'm not sure of his circumstances at the minute but he's a player I admire. However, he's not really one we've spoke about. "A lot of what we're doing is for next year. We're planning for that and the year after." Jackson's partner Amelia Smith gave birth to baby daughter, Scottie, in April. His journey into fatherhood has been a distraction from his NRL absence. "Scottie's debut, you dream of stuff like this. Never felt pride like it," Hastings posted on Instagram with a picture of Scottie at her first game last month. The Roosters, fresh from a bye, have lost Robert Toia, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Connor Watson and Spencer Leniu to Origin duties. Nat Butcher (knee) and Naufahu Whyte (knee) return from injury. Dom Young has been named on the wing in what is potentially his last game for the Roosters before returning to the Knights. He will play on the right flank, with Mark Nawaqanitawase to shift to centre in Toia's absence. Sam Walker starts at halfback in his first game in the NRL this season after a knee reconstruction. The Knights are hoping the last-minute win against Manly can spark their season and end their struggles at home. However, they have not beaten the Roosters since a 20-6 victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground on March 12, 2022. JACKSON Hastings will be playing for his rugby league future when the Newcastle Knights take on the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. As reported by the Newcastle Herald on Monday, Jackson has been recalled at halfback for the Knights' round-15 clash. It will be the much-maligned playmaker's first appearance in the NRL in nearly a year. On a contract worth $750,000 a season, Hastings has previously been overlooked in favour of Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland and Tyson Gamble. However, with Kalyn Ponga retaining his place at fullback for the Maroons in Origin II and Tyson Gamble out with a broken thumb, Hastings has been called upon. He will start in the No.7 jumper, with Sharpe covering at fullback and Cogger sliding out to five-eighth. Though believed to be on the outer, Hastings has been captain of the Knights' NSW Cup side and was 18th man for the NRL side's come-from-behind 26-22 triumph over Manly last round. Tyson Frzell is out with concussion, forcing a reshuffle to the pack. Matt Croker starts at prop, Phoenix Crossland switches to lock, with Jayden Brailey promoted from the bench to start at hooker. Matt Arthur is the new face in the interchange rotation. Bradman Best was close to a return from a hamstring injury, but coach Adam O'Brien has erred on the side of caution. Rookie Fletcher Hunt starts at left centre, with James Schiller on the wing. Jacob Saifiti (calf) and Jack Hetherington (shoulder) are at least a week away, while Leo Thompson has three games remaining on supension. There has been constant speculation around the reasons why Hastings hasn't been involved despite the Knights struggles in attack. O'Brien has confirmed the pivot won't be at the Knights in 2026. "The club has also been upfront and honest that going forward he won't be offered a new deal," O'Brien said last month. Baring injury to Ponga, Hastings appears unlikley to get many more opportunties in the NRL this season. The 29-year-old's agent, Sam Ayoub, did not return calls from the Herald on Tuesday. MORE NEWCASTLE SPORT Hastings has been linked to a return to the English Super League, where he previously starred for Salford and Wigan. Leeds have shown interetst and Castleford has emerged as another potential landing spot for Hastings, but not until next season. "I'm a big fan of Jackson, he took the competition by storm when he was here," Castleford coach Danny McGuire told Love Rugby League . "I'm not sure of his circumstances at the minute but he's a player I admire. However, he's not really one we've spoke about. "A lot of what we're doing is for next year. We're planning for that and the year after." Jackson's partner Amelia Smith gave birth to baby daughter, Scottie, in April. His journey into fatherhood has been a distraction from his NRL absence. "Scottie's debut, you dream of stuff like this. Never felt pride like it," Hastings posted on Instagram with a picture of Scottie at her first game last month. The Roosters, fresh from a bye, have lost Robert Toia, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Connor Watson and Spencer Leniu to Origin duties. Nat Butcher (knee) and Naufahu Whyte (knee) return from injury. Dom Young has been named on the wing in what is potentially his last game for the Roosters before returning to the Knights. He will play on the right flank, with Mark Nawaqanitawase to shift to centre in Toia's absence. Sam Walker starts at halfback in his first game in the NRL this season after a knee reconstruction. The Knights are hoping the last-minute win against Manly can spark their season and end their struggles at home. However, they have not beaten the Roosters since a 20-6 victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground on March 12, 2022. JACKSON Hastings will be playing for his rugby league future when the Newcastle Knights take on the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. As reported by the Newcastle Herald on Monday, Jackson has been recalled at halfback for the Knights' round-15 clash. It will be the much-maligned playmaker's first appearance in the NRL in nearly a year. On a contract worth $750,000 a season, Hastings has previously been overlooked in favour of Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland and Tyson Gamble. However, with Kalyn Ponga retaining his place at fullback for the Maroons in Origin II and Tyson Gamble out with a broken thumb, Hastings has been called upon. He will start in the No.7 jumper, with Sharpe covering at fullback and Cogger sliding out to five-eighth. Though believed to be on the outer, Hastings has been captain of the Knights' NSW Cup side and was 18th man for the NRL side's come-from-behind 26-22 triumph over Manly last round. Tyson Frzell is out with concussion, forcing a reshuffle to the pack. Matt Croker starts at prop, Phoenix Crossland switches to lock, with Jayden Brailey promoted from the bench to start at hooker. Matt Arthur is the new face in the interchange rotation. Bradman Best was close to a return from a hamstring injury, but coach Adam O'Brien has erred on the side of caution. Rookie Fletcher Hunt starts at left centre, with James Schiller on the wing. Jacob Saifiti (calf) and Jack Hetherington (shoulder) are at least a week away, while Leo Thompson has three games remaining on supension. There has been constant speculation around the reasons why Hastings hasn't been involved despite the Knights struggles in attack. O'Brien has confirmed the pivot won't be at the Knights in 2026. "The club has also been upfront and honest that going forward he won't be offered a new deal," O'Brien said last month. Baring injury to Ponga, Hastings appears unlikley to get many more opportunties in the NRL this season. The 29-year-old's agent, Sam Ayoub, did not return calls from the Herald on Tuesday. MORE NEWCASTLE SPORT Hastings has been linked to a return to the English Super League, where he previously starred for Salford and Wigan. Leeds have shown interetst and Castleford has emerged as another potential landing spot for Hastings, but not until next season. "I'm a big fan of Jackson, he took the competition by storm when he was here," Castleford coach Danny McGuire told Love Rugby League . "I'm not sure of his circumstances at the minute but he's a player I admire. However, he's not really one we've spoke about. "A lot of what we're doing is for next year. We're planning for that and the year after." Jackson's partner Amelia Smith gave birth to baby daughter, Scottie, in April. His journey into fatherhood has been a distraction from his NRL absence. "Scottie's debut, you dream of stuff like this. Never felt pride like it," Hastings posted on Instagram with a picture of Scottie at her first game last month. The Roosters, fresh from a bye, have lost Robert Toia, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Connor Watson and Spencer Leniu to Origin duties. Nat Butcher (knee) and Naufahu Whyte (knee) return from injury. Dom Young has been named on the wing in what is potentially his last game for the Roosters before returning to the Knights. He will play on the right flank, with Mark Nawaqanitawase to shift to centre in Toia's absence. Sam Walker starts at halfback in his first game in the NRL this season after a knee reconstruction. The Knights are hoping the last-minute win against Manly can spark their season and end their struggles at home. However, they have not beaten the Roosters since a 20-6 victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground on March 12, 2022.
