Huddersfield hopeful Jackson Hastings will join, reveals Simon Woolford

Huddersfield coach Simon Woolford says the club remain hopeful that Australian half-back Jackson Hastings will join the Giants.

The 22-year-old was released by Manly Sea Eagles earlier this week due to salary cap issues.

Hastings struggled for game time at the NRL side though, making just 13 appearances since the start of the 2017 season.

But Woolford holds the half-back in high regard and wants him to join the Giants.

He said: “Talks have been pretty positive but we are still a fair way to go on that one.

“We are looking at any quality players who are on the market and he is another one.

“Jackson is only 22-years-old, I’ve known him since he was 13 or 14. My son played against him in the junior ranks and he was down in Wollongong while I was playing for the (St George Illawarra) Dragons, so I’ve known Jackson a long time and he is a good kid.

“He was always a class above when he was coming through the juniors and he has got a lot to offer a rugby league team, so we are hopeful that he will decide to come and join us.”

Hastings’ natural position is half-back but he can also play at hooker or at full-back.

And Woolford is a fan of the Australian’s versality and thinks Hastings would be an asset to Huddersfield and Super League.

Woolford added: “He has got a great passing game, he has got a great kicking game and he is a competitor.

“He can manage a game very well and can play a number of positions.

“He can play in the halves, at full-back or hooker. He is versatile, but he is very, very good at every position he plays.”

Hastings made 34 appearances for Sydney Roosters before joining Manly, with him playing 47 NRL games to date.