Knights halfback has a point to prove in NRL recall
Off-contract halfback Jackson Hastings will have a chance to remind Newcastle coach Adam O'Brien of his talent when he plays against the Sydney Roosters.
O'Brien is well aware out-of-favour Hastings will be out to push his case when he lines up for his first NRL game this year at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday.
The 29-year-old's career at the Knights had looked finished, having gone unsighted at NRL level since last July.
He couldn't convince O'Brien for a crack into the first grade side even as Newcastle struggled with seven losses from eight games between March and May.
Now more than halfway through the 27-round season, O'Brien has finally called upon Hastings out of necessity.
The Knights had few options, with Kalyn Ponga away on State of Origin duty, Tyson Gamble (thumb) out injured and Will Pryce released to the English Super League in March.
Newcastle also lost star Fletcher Sharpe (calf) on Friday.
"There's a few guys in that situation and I have empathy for them," O'Brien said of Hastings being off contract.
"Having an uncertain future is always a worry, but the only thing you control is your performance and that will give you your best chance.
"It's a credit to Jackson. The injuries have presented an opportunity for him, and I can't fault him.
"I knew that we'd get that from Jackson too, when you saw how genuine his celebration of the win last week was.
"He probably could sense that there might be an opportunity."
Hastings will partner Jack Cogger in the halves, while newly re-signed Fletcher Hunt replaces injured Sharpe at fullback.
Kyle McCarthy joins the outside backs at centre.
"It's similar in style as well as looks. They're cloned," O'Brien said of the two Fletchers.
"The looks, the country type, casual nature and then putting themselves in the frame like you saw with the kick last week.
"Both of those guys just have a great knack for putting themselves in a position to make something happen."
Newcastle's meeting with the Roosters comes amid speculation surrounding Dom Young's playing future.
Tricolours coach Trent Robinson said Young could "possibly" be playing his final Roosters game against the Knights, who are plotting to bring the winger back to the Hunter before the June 30 transfer deadline.
Young has fallen out of favour at the Roosters this season following the rapid rise of Queensland centre Robert Toia and rugby convert Mark Nawaqanitawase.
Newcastle have publicly courted Young, who played on the right wing in their 2023 finals campaign, and the Roosters are open to a release.
There is a possibility Young plays against the Knights on Saturday, and for them next weekend, with Robinson saying he expected clarification on the Englishman's future in a matter of days.
O'Brien said he'd wait until after the game to contact Young.
"If it happens that he's wearing our colours on Sunday morning - well, that'll be fantastic, but we're not there yet," O'Brien said.
Off-contract halfback Jackson Hastings will have a chance to remind Newcastle coach Adam O'Brien of his talent when he plays against the Sydney Roosters.
O'Brien is well aware out-of-favour Hastings will be out to push his case when he lines up for his first NRL game this year at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday.
The 29-year-old's career at the Knights had looked finished, having gone unsighted at NRL level since last July.
He couldn't convince O'Brien for a crack into the first grade side even as Newcastle struggled with seven losses from eight games between March and May.
Now more than halfway through the 27-round season, O'Brien has finally called upon Hastings out of necessity.
The Knights had few options, with Kalyn Ponga away on State of Origin duty, Tyson Gamble (thumb) out injured and Will Pryce released to the English Super League in March.
Newcastle also lost star Fletcher Sharpe (calf) on Friday.
"There's a few guys in that situation and I have empathy for them," O'Brien said of Hastings being off contract.
"Having an uncertain future is always a worry, but the only thing you control is your performance and that will give you your best chance.
"It's a credit to Jackson. The injuries have presented an opportunity for him, and I can't fault him.
"I knew that we'd get that from Jackson too, when you saw how genuine his celebration of the win last week was.
"He probably could sense that there might be an opportunity."
Hastings will partner Jack Cogger in the halves, while newly re-signed Fletcher Hunt replaces injured Sharpe at fullback.
Kyle McCarthy joins the outside backs at centre.
"It's similar in style as well as looks. They're cloned," O'Brien said of the two Fletchers.
"The looks, the country type, casual nature and then putting themselves in the frame like you saw with the kick last week.
"Both of those guys just have a great knack for putting themselves in a position to make something happen."
Newcastle's meeting with the Roosters comes amid speculation surrounding Dom Young's playing future.
Tricolours coach Trent Robinson said Young could "possibly" be playing his final Roosters game against the Knights, who are plotting to bring the winger back to the Hunter before the June 30 transfer deadline.
Young has fallen out of favour at the Roosters this season following the rapid rise of Queensland centre Robert Toia and rugby convert Mark Nawaqanitawase.
Newcastle have publicly courted Young, who played on the right wing in their 2023 finals campaign, and the Roosters are open to a release.
There is a possibility Young plays against the Knights on Saturday, and for them next weekend, with Robinson saying he expected clarification on the Englishman's future in a matter of days.
O'Brien said he'd wait until after the game to contact Young.
"If it happens that he's wearing our colours on Sunday morning - well, that'll be fantastic, but we're not there yet," O'Brien said.
Off-contract halfback Jackson Hastings will have a chance to remind Newcastle coach Adam O'Brien of his talent when he plays against the Sydney Roosters.
O'Brien is well aware out-of-favour Hastings will be out to push his case when he lines up for his first NRL game this year at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday.
The 29-year-old's career at the Knights had looked finished, having gone unsighted at NRL level since last July.
He couldn't convince O'Brien for a crack into the first grade side even as Newcastle struggled with seven losses from eight games between March and May.
Now more than halfway through the 27-round season, O'Brien has finally called upon Hastings out of necessity.
The Knights had few options, with Kalyn Ponga away on State of Origin duty, Tyson Gamble (thumb) out injured and Will Pryce released to the English Super League in March.
Newcastle also lost star Fletcher Sharpe (calf) on Friday.
"There's a few guys in that situation and I have empathy for them," O'Brien said of Hastings being off contract.
"Having an uncertain future is always a worry, but the only thing you control is your performance and that will give you your best chance.
"It's a credit to Jackson. The injuries have presented an opportunity for him, and I can't fault him.
"I knew that we'd get that from Jackson too, when you saw how genuine his celebration of the win last week was.
"He probably could sense that there might be an opportunity."
Hastings will partner Jack Cogger in the halves, while newly re-signed Fletcher Hunt replaces injured Sharpe at fullback.
Kyle McCarthy joins the outside backs at centre.
"It's similar in style as well as looks. They're cloned," O'Brien said of the two Fletchers.
"The looks, the country type, casual nature and then putting themselves in the frame like you saw with the kick last week.
"Both of those guys just have a great knack for putting themselves in a position to make something happen."
Newcastle's meeting with the Roosters comes amid speculation surrounding Dom Young's playing future.
Tricolours coach Trent Robinson said Young could "possibly" be playing his final Roosters game against the Knights, who are plotting to bring the winger back to the Hunter before the June 30 transfer deadline.
Young has fallen out of favour at the Roosters this season following the rapid rise of Queensland centre Robert Toia and rugby convert Mark Nawaqanitawase.
Newcastle have publicly courted Young, who played on the right wing in their 2023 finals campaign, and the Roosters are open to a release.
There is a possibility Young plays against the Knights on Saturday, and for them next weekend, with Robinson saying he expected clarification on the Englishman's future in a matter of days.
O'Brien said he'd wait until after the game to contact Young.
"If it happens that he's wearing our colours on Sunday morning - well, that'll be fantastic, but we're not there yet," O'Brien said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
Man, 20, charged over alleged death threats to Newcastle Knights player James Schiller
NSW Police have charged a 20-year-old man for allegedly making death threats and sending vile messages to Knights winger James Schiller last week. Schiller copped a barrage of abuse on his social media following Newcastle's 26-22 golden point victory over the Sea Eagles last week. Schiller had a mixed performance, committing five errors, missing four tackles, and giving away three penalties but also scored and produced several moments of brilliance in the Knights' comeback win. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. But after the Knights' incredible victory, Schiller returned to the dressing room over the moon, only to open his phone to see several vile threats aimed in his direction. 'Count your days c--- I will end your f---ing life,' the private message to Schiller read. 'Doesn't make up for it even though you won … 'Five errors, two penalties, 1 six again and partridge in a pear tree. I hope Dane (Gagai) jams his c--- down your throat and you choke and die.' The threats directed at Schiller were addressed by Knights coach Adam by O'Brien following the game, who labelled it 'worrying'. 'That is worrying,' O'Brien said. 'I want to protect them … and for him to go through that over a couple of errors … it's a game of footy. 'He's got a family. That's partly the reason why you do want to protect them. 'I think it's a societal problem, isn't it? It's not just football players who are getting that sort of stuff. 'I understand there is some legislation, and I think at the moment it's in the hands of authorities to try and help in this situation with James. 'We need to be able to stop people doing it, change their thought process before doing it.' Lake Macquarie Detectives launched an investigation into the incident after Schiller was reportedly shaken up by the ordeal. It led to them arresting and charging a 20-year-old man on Friday. The man was charged with use of carriage service to menace/harass/offend. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Belmont Local Court on Wednesday, July 30. Police have the authority to charge individuals for threats made through social media and this incident isn't the first of its kind. In 2021, two men were charged after sending abusive or threatening messages to NRL star Latrell Mitchell on social media.
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Lake Macquarie man charged over allegedly sending Knights player death threats online
A 20-year-old man will face court next month accused of sending Newcastle Knights winger flyer James Schiller death threats online after Newcastle's dramatic 26-22 win over Manly. Schiller took to his personal Instagram account after the game earlier this month to expose comments from a supposed fan that included a death threat. The fan allegedly sent Schiller a direct message and told him to "count your days c--t I will end your f---ing life". Lake Macquarie Police arrested the 20-year-old at Belmont Police Station on Friday afternoon, June 13, where he was charged with using a carriage service to harass the Knights player. He was granted conditional bail and was ordered to appear at Belmont Local Court on Wednesday, July 30. National Rugby League boss Andrew Abdo condemned the alleged abuse after the Schiller published the messages, describing it as "abhorrent", as it was referred to the league's integrity unit and NSW Police. Schiller's teammates rallied after the incident. "It's worrying," Knights coach Adam O'Brien said. "For him to go through that, over a couple of errors, it's a game of footy. He has got a family." It's the second time in 12 months Schiller has put the spotlight on unacceptable abuse of players. The latest incident comes almost a year after Schiller revealed he had been subjected to foul abuse while playing for the Canberra Raiders following a post-match interview. A 20-year-old man will face court next month accused of sending Newcastle Knights winger flyer James Schiller death threats online after Newcastle's dramatic 26-22 win over Manly. Schiller took to his personal Instagram account after the game earlier this month to expose comments from a supposed fan that included a death threat. The fan allegedly sent Schiller a direct message and told him to "count your days c--t I will end your f---ing life". Lake Macquarie Police arrested the 20-year-old at Belmont Police Station on Friday afternoon, June 13, where he was charged with using a carriage service to harass the Knights player. He was granted conditional bail and was ordered to appear at Belmont Local Court on Wednesday, July 30. National Rugby League boss Andrew Abdo condemned the alleged abuse after the Schiller published the messages, describing it as "abhorrent", as it was referred to the league's integrity unit and NSW Police. Schiller's teammates rallied after the incident. "It's worrying," Knights coach Adam O'Brien said. "For him to go through that, over a couple of errors, it's a game of footy. He has got a family." It's the second time in 12 months Schiller has put the spotlight on unacceptable abuse of players. The latest incident comes almost a year after Schiller revealed he had been subjected to foul abuse while playing for the Canberra Raiders following a post-match interview. A 20-year-old man will face court next month accused of sending Newcastle Knights winger flyer James Schiller death threats online after Newcastle's dramatic 26-22 win over Manly. Schiller took to his personal Instagram account after the game earlier this month to expose comments from a supposed fan that included a death threat. The fan allegedly sent Schiller a direct message and told him to "count your days c--t I will end your f---ing life". Lake Macquarie Police arrested the 20-year-old at Belmont Police Station on Friday afternoon, June 13, where he was charged with using a carriage service to harass the Knights player. He was granted conditional bail and was ordered to appear at Belmont Local Court on Wednesday, July 30. National Rugby League boss Andrew Abdo condemned the alleged abuse after the Schiller published the messages, describing it as "abhorrent", as it was referred to the league's integrity unit and NSW Police. Schiller's teammates rallied after the incident. "It's worrying," Knights coach Adam O'Brien said. "For him to go through that, over a couple of errors, it's a game of footy. He has got a family." It's the second time in 12 months Schiller has put the spotlight on unacceptable abuse of players. The latest incident comes almost a year after Schiller revealed he had been subjected to foul abuse while playing for the Canberra Raiders following a post-match interview. A 20-year-old man will face court next month accused of sending Newcastle Knights winger flyer James Schiller death threats online after Newcastle's dramatic 26-22 win over Manly. Schiller took to his personal Instagram account after the game earlier this month to expose comments from a supposed fan that included a death threat. The fan allegedly sent Schiller a direct message and told him to "count your days c--t I will end your f---ing life". Lake Macquarie Police arrested the 20-year-old at Belmont Police Station on Friday afternoon, June 13, where he was charged with using a carriage service to harass the Knights player. He was granted conditional bail and was ordered to appear at Belmont Local Court on Wednesday, July 30. National Rugby League boss Andrew Abdo condemned the alleged abuse after the Schiller published the messages, describing it as "abhorrent", as it was referred to the league's integrity unit and NSW Police. Schiller's teammates rallied after the incident. "It's worrying," Knights coach Adam O'Brien said. "For him to go through that, over a couple of errors, it's a game of footy. He has got a family." It's the second time in 12 months Schiller has put the spotlight on unacceptable abuse of players. The latest incident comes almost a year after Schiller revealed he had been subjected to foul abuse while playing for the Canberra Raiders following a post-match interview.
7NEWS
4 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Explosive NRL scenes as fan grabs Daly Cherry-Evans after Manly's shock loss to Gold Coast
A frightening scenario has played out after Gold Coast's upset win over Manly with a fan storming the field and grabbing Daly Cherry-Evans. It was a shock end to a dramatic week for Cherry-Evans who had lost his title as Maroons skipper and was then forced to watch his team choke against former coach Des Hasler and his decimated Titans outfit, 28-8. Making matters worse, Gold Coast captain Kieran Foran outplayed Cherry-Evans (his former Manly halves partner) to inspire one of the best Titans victories of all-time in front of 13,708 at Cbus Super Stadium. Then, after the game as unsuspecting players chatted on the field, there was a worrying flashpoint. A fan, dressed in Manly gear, ran onto the pitch and wrapped his arms around Cherry-Evans before he was set upon several security guards. Security then tackled the fan to the ground before escorting him from the field. The expectation before the match was that the Sea Eagles skipper would respond to his Queensland axing and lead his side to victory, particularly with star fullback Tom Trbojevic back in the side from injury. It didn't pan out that way. Cherry-Evans, apart from one try assist, was underwhelming. He was philosophical rather than bitter about his Origin axing after 26 games and 19 as captain of the Maroons. 'The start of the week was tough,' Cherry-Evans said. 'On Sunday, I got the news and on Monday I had to go to training and face the boys. 'After that it honestly started to feel normal. 'The initial news was tough but I moved on and thought we were going to come here and play some good footy. Based on our preparation, it looked like all the signs were there. 'Unfortunately, the most important part of the week is showing up on game day and we didn't do that.' The 28-8 win at Robina on Friday night was a hammer blow to the Sea Eagles, but even worse was the loss of star back-rower Haumole Olakau'atu with a dislocated right shoulder. Manly choked, as they had done in their previous four away games when favourites against lowly ranked opponents. Gold Coast were seriously undermanned with 11 players unavailable, nine with injury and two in State of Origin camps. 'I needed a big one tonight. I returned from injury and have been a bit quiet,' Foran said. 'I'm just happy we got the win. Personally, I stepped it up a notch. 'I'm extremely proud. We started well and I thought we threw the ball around really nicely in the first half. 'We were able to capitalise with a few tries. I'm even more proud of the second half.' Manly had no Origin representatives for the first time since 2015. Titans second-rower Beau Fermor, also dropped by the Maroons for game two, sent a strong message to coach Billy Slater that he got it all wrong. Fermor had a blinder, saving a try with a last ditched effort to stop Olakau'atu from scoring in a play where he was also injured. Gold Coast stunned the visitors to lead 22-8 at halftime. Manly centre Reuben Garrick crashed over early in his 150th game and added a second during the half, but the opening 40 minutes belonged to Foran. The 34-year-old 2011 premiership winner wound back the clock and sent flying winger Allan Fitzgibbon over with a stellar cutout pass. Foran and former Manly gun Brian Kelly sent speed demon Alofiana Khan-Pereira in for his 50th try in his 52nd match, the equal-quickest to the milestone in the NRL era. Khan-Pereira was in again for his second after beating five Manly defenders. When Titans fullback AJ Brimson carved through the defence to send half Jayden Campbell in under the sticks Manly were looking like a rabble. Brimson has destroyed Manly in the past and he did so again in a brilliant display. Train and trial second-rower Josh Patston made his NRL debut off the bench for the hosts while development list prop Tukimihia Simpkins, formerly with Wests Tigers, was on club debut. Titans back-rower Chris Randall iced the win with a second-half try on the back of a monumental defensive effort.
