JACKO HAILS BRAVEHEART GRANDAD JIM

Hastings posting on Twitter his support for his grandad with this message on his arm

A GRANDFATHER’S bravery will be all the motivation needed by Jackson Hastings in this Friday’s Super League Grand Final.

Wigan’s Aussie half-back said: “My grandad has delayed open heart surgery to watch me in the final.”

Hastings (below) wore wrist strapping bearing his grandad’s name during the

29-2 semi-final win over Hull and afterwards said: “Big Jim I love you. Hopefully y I can g get a winner’s ring so I can bring it to o you.”

Hastings gs played in Salford’s ’s surprise Grand Final show last year, losing 23-6 to St Helens.

But this s year he is determined ermined to go one better, and said: “I never thought I’d ’d ever get the chance ce to play in one Grand d Final, let alone two. .

“We fell l well short last year. It is all well and good making it there but nobody remembers who finished second.”

Defending champions Saints booked their place in the final, thrashing Catalans 48-2.

Full-back Lachlan Coote scored two tries, kicked eight goals and admits he cannot wait to get to Hull – this year’s venue due to Covid reasons.

Coote said: “It will be a test as Wigan are full of confidence. It’ll be a great final.”

Coote is on a shortlist to be named Super Leagu League’s Man of Steel. The win winner will be c crowned t tomorrow. H He added: ““It is all due to the boys I a am playing at the back of and the quality service I get.”

Saints prop Alex Walmsley should shake off a knee injury in time for the Grand Final.