How Jackson Hastings’ England hopes could be threatened by State of Origin

Jackson Hastings has left the door open to England – but his World Cup chances could be scuppered if called upon by State of Origin beforehand.

The 26-year-old was born and raised in Australia but qualifies to play for England via his English grandmother.

Hastings has previously talked passionately about representing his English heritage. In 2019, he did just that as he played in all four of Great Britain’s matches on their tour of the southern hemisphere.

The former Salford and Wigan favourite has not been named in an England squad since Shaun Wane took over as head coach. But he has not turned his back on the chances of representing his English roots once more.

When asked if he wants to play for England in the World Cup by 9News reporter Danny Weidler, Hastings replied: “It depends if I get picked I guess. The door is open, I’m eligible but that is sort of taken out of my hands.”

Once unwanted in the NRL, now Tiger Jackson Hastings is spoiled for choice.

He's eligible to play for England in the World Cup at the end of the year, but he also has a sneaking to desire to pull on a blue jersey in Origin. @Danny_Weidler #9News pic.twitter.com/Vzc494ADFB

— 9News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) May 9, 2022

Jackson Hastings not putting his eggs in one basket

Hastings has made a fine start back to life back in the NRL. He been one of the Tigers’ key players this season so far.

The former Man of Steel is still eligible to represent New South Wales in the State of Origin arena.

If called upon by the Blues, then that would rule out Hastings’ chances of playing for England in the future.

Great Britain doesn’t class as being England, who are a tier one nation. Effectively, Hastings is still allowed to play for New South Wales and even Australia at this point.

It seems like Hastings is spoilt for choice right now. Whoever he plays for first he will ultimately have to commit to. Eligibility rules don’t allow him to be both an England international and a New South Wales representative.

Hastings says he is not putting any of his eggs in one basket in regards to who he plays for on the rep scene just yet.

He told 9News: “I’ve got a few goals. I’m still eligible to play for New South Wales because it (Great Britain) wasn’t officially England. Wherever the world takes me I will just ride the wave.

“I am not putting my eggs into one basket in particular, I just want to play good football for the Tigers and win games for them and whatever comes off the back of that comes off the back of that.”

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