Hastings may be back at Warriors before career end
HALF-BACK RETURNING TO OZ NEXT SEASON
JACKSON Hastings has left the door open on a return to Wigan Warriors one day, saying he couldn’t envisage playing for another Super League club if he ever returned to England.
The former Salford Red Devils ace will return to the NRL in 2022 after signing a two-year deal with Wests Tigers, ending what has been near-constant speculation over his future ever since he joined Wigan at the start of last season.
However, the half-back insisted the decision was not as straightforward as some may have assumed, not least in part due to the affinity he now has for the Warriors.
“People always expected me to go home whenever but for me, it was pretty hard,” he said.
“I’ve got a partner that’s English, so for her to move to the other side of the world for me is a massive deal. I love this place, people can say what they want about how I feel about Wigan, but I love this place and the people who are involved in the club.”
Hastings, whose Wigan side host Castleford tonight, also admitted he’s held talks with Warriors chief executive Kris Radlinski about the prospect of returning in the future, hinting that he’d never sign for another Super League club if he ever came back to England.
He said: “I’ve got such good relationships with the people from top to bottom. I’ve had open conversations with Kris and that door has never been shut on coming back in the future if I was to come back to Super League.
“At this point in time I couldn’t picture myself playing for any other Super League club. I’m extremely grateful to play for this club.”
Hastings also reaffirmed his commitment to Wigan for the rest of this year, saying he’s determined to leave ‘a winner’ after developing a strong bond for the Warriors.
“I’m really proud to have played for Wigan and to continue to play for Wigan for the rest of this season,” he said.
“When I first came over, I didn’t understand the magnitude of the club and the history behind it, but once I’ve been a part of it and played with people like Sean O’Loughlin and Liam Farrell, it’s just got a real family club feel that breeds from within.
“I feel honoured to be able to wear this badge every single weekend.
“To the fans, I want to say thank you for sticking by me. There’s been constant rumour and speculation since I got to the club, and for me, I’ve just focused on my footy.”