Jackson’s five-star debut for Red Devils
IAN Watson was full of praise for new signing Jackson Hastings after he inspired 12-man Salford to victory over Leeds
Despite Lee Mossop being sent off after 20 minutes, debutant Jackson Hastings starred in a fine showing in the 38-22 win.
The Australian half-back joined the Red Devils from Manly this week and played a starring role on debut as the fallen champions were well beaten once more.
“It looks like we’ve got a real player there,” coach Watson said of Hastings, 22, who fell out of favour at the Sea Eagles.
“His movement was smooth and he’s been dying to get out there and play. He’s been here about five or six days but the impact he had on the game was outstanding.”
Half-back partner Robert Lui also drew praise as Salford now prepare for the Qualifiers, along with the Rhinos, Widnes and Hull KR.
“Robert Lui grew in confidence on the back of that and he was our best player,” Watson added.
“It’s a massive confidence boost for the rest of the season. The players have stayed strong as a group and that resilience showed when we went down to 12 men.
“We completed really well and when we can do that we can trouble any side.”
Hastings was involved in everything during a devastating opening stint which saw the Red Devils race into a 22-6 lead before having forward Mossop sent off for a headbutt in the 20th minute. Hastings scored a try and had a hand in two others as Salford recovered from going behind in the second minute to a Brad Dwyer try which was converted by Liam Sutcliffe. What followed was as good a spell as struggling Salford have produced all season. With Hastings running the show, Ian Watson’s men scored four tries in 11 minutes.
Leeds boss Kevin Sinfield conceded that transforming the fortunes of ailing Leeds is proving more challenging than he envisaged after Friday’s defeat.
The Rhinos great stepped in as director of rugby earlier this month following the sacking of Brian McDermott, tasked with reviving the defending champions.
“The task in turning the team around is proving more difficult than I expected. I am disappointed with our performance. For us to dish that up hurts all of us,” he said. Ian Watson on Jackson Hastings