Knights, Tigers talk turkey on player swap
NEWCASTLE and Wests Tigers are in deep discussions about an immediate potential player swap involving Jackson Hastings and David Klemmer.
The Knights are keen on landing Hastings as their longterm No.7, while the Tigers have been in talks about signing Klemmer since October. Now the two clubs are in negotiations about how they can make the respective deals work for both parties.
Newcastle originally set their eyes on securing another Wests Tigers half in Luke Brooks. But the Knights have since had a change of heart and view the competitive and on-ball nature of Hastings’ play as a perfect complement should they go ahead with plans to switch Kalyn Ponga into the halves.
The Ponga/Hastings combination with Jayden Brailey at hooker looms as a massive upgrade
on what Newcastle fielded this year after they failed to replace Mitchell Pearce in the off-season. Brailey and Ponga also dealt with long-term injuries.
The Tigers have made it clear they don’t view Hastings as a half, with the club wanting to play him at lock despite their two best performances of the season – wins against Parramatta and South Sydney – coming with Hastings wearing No.7. Three of the four Tigers wins came with Hastings at halfback.
Newcastle have long been reluctant to cut Klemmer free from the final year of his deal – which is worth about $850,000. But such is their need for a genuine half they would be willing to allow Klemmer to take up a multiyear contract at the Tigers if it means they can secure Hastings.
Newcastle are still well serviced up front.