Wigan prepared for Hastings exit

WIGAN chairman Ian Lenagan has no problems with former Salford half-back Jackson Hastings planning for a return to Australia - and says he would do the same.

Hastings has constantly been linked with a move back to the NRL almost since arriving at the Reds in 2018, where he won the Steve Prescott Man of Steel the following season.

The latest speculation about his future centred on a interview the 25-year-old did in Sydney last week, before landing back in England this week.

Hastings is contracted to Wigan for the 2021 season and Lenagan says plans are being made by both parties for beyond that.

Asked about the interview, the Wigan chief said: “I don’t have a problem with it - he’s always told us he wants to go back to the NRL.

“Do we expect him to go back to the NRL at the end of 2021? Probably. Do we have plans if he does? Yes. Would we keep him if he wanted to stay? Yes, at the right price, obviously.

“Every player has only got a 10 or 12-year life - you’ve got to make your plans. He has got to be making plans, and he wants to be playing in the NRL, there’s no doubt about that. He’d like to play for almost any team in the NRL, but he obviously hasn’t got the offers, has he?

“Are we concerned? There are plenty of players around. Jackson’s a great player and I loved the contribution he made particularly in the last three months of the season.

“He was prepared to play hooker or wherever, and he’s a commendable rugby league player who has got a place at Wigan for as long as he wants to be here. Should he be making plans to go back home and play in the NRL?

“I would be if I were him.”