Koukash helps Red Devils land Aussie ace Hastings
SALFORD have completed the signing of Australian halfback Jackson Hastings on a deal that will initially run to the end of the current Betfred Super League season.
The 22-year-old has featured in the NRL for both Sydney Roosters and Manly, but was released by the Sea Eagles last month as the club struggled to cope with salary cap pressures.
“He’s a huge talent with huge potential,” said Red Devils boss Ian Watson.
“The fact Trent Robinson let [James] Maloney leave the Roosters so Jackson could partner Mitchell Pearce shows his level of quality. Obviously, there were numerous Super League clubs chasing him and we are delighted he has chosen to come to us.
“Hopefully, together we can restart Jackson’s first grade career.
“He has been the guy we have been missing in terms of organisation and kicking game. He’s looking forward to getting over here and getting stuck in.”
The club are waiting final visa clearance, but expect Hastings to link up with his new team-mates ahead of the Super 8s.
Salford are operating on a significantly reduced budget this year and have been looking to strengthen for some time, particularly following injuries to a number of key players.
And director of rugby Ian Blease revealed this deal could not have been completed without the assistance of former owner Marwan Koukash.
”Jackson is a signing that should rightly excite everybody in the city,” said Blease.
“He is an exciting matchwinner and will slot into our set-up perfectly at this crucial time.
“A huge amount of hard-work behind the scenes has gone into making this happen over the past few months and we are delighted to get it over the line. Opportunities to sign players this talented do not come along too often and it speaks volumes that we have beaten off some serious competition for his signature.
“I’d like to thank the player’s agent for all his help as well as Marwan Koukash, who has honoured his pledge to support the club with the acquisition of a player.”
Hastings’ new team-mates welcome Castleford Tigers to the AJ Bell Stadium tonight, but have been hit with further injuries following last week’s defeat to Hull KR.
Greg Johnson and Logan Tomkins both miss out with foot injuries picked up against Rovers.
Ed Chamberlain made his first start for the club in that match and could retain his spot at fullback, while Levy Nzoungou and Ben Nakubuwai have also been named in Watson’s 19-man squad.
Tyrone McCarthy and Josh Jones returned from injury last time out and keep their places, while Luke Burgess and Craig Kopczak have both been named in the matchday squad but are thought to have little chance of featuring as they are both carrying knocks.
SALFORD: Sa’u, Lui, Kopczak, Jones, Flanagan, Tasi, Lannon, Burgess, McCarthy, Nakubuwai, Wood, Olpherts, Mossop, Bibby, Nzoungou, Murray, Shorrocks, Chamberlain, Burke.