Rugby League Today: Jackson Hastings arrives at Wests Tigers & France star attracting interest

Jackson Hastings arrives at Wests Tigers

Jackson Hastings has arrived at his new club Wests Tigers following his move back to the NRL from Super League side Wigan.

The 25-year-old half-back has signed a two-year deal with Michael Maguire’s Tigers. Good luck to Hastings! He has been absolute joy to watch in Super League over the last four seasons with Salford and Wigan.

FAREWELL: Jackson Hastings says emotioanl goodbye to Super League

Grateful for the opportunity. https://t.co/P01kRGjt4N

— Jackson Hastings (@JackoHastings) November 2, 2021

Billy Magoulias on Warrington move

Greece international Billy Magoulias believes Warrington coach Daryl Powell will bring out the best in him. (Manchester Evening News)

The 24-year-old forward told Manchester Evening News: “It’s more robotic in the NRL and coaches ask for that. But Daryl is a big fan of my style of play and when we were talking about the game and how we saw us playing, naturally what I was hearing appealed to me.”

Jai Field update

Wigan utility back Jai Field says he is hoping to start the 2022 season strong after an injury-hit first year with the Warriors.

The Australian joined Wigan ahead of last season but suffered a hamstring tear in the opening round and didn’t feature for the rest of the year. Field told the club’s website: “I have had those injuries so I’m just trying to do some strengthening on my hamstring, keep things ticking over and not let my body go too much. I want to start the year strong and hit the ground running.”

Kane Evans ‘goosebumps’

Fiji international Kane Evans has discussed Hull derby ‘goosebumps’ and following in Mark O’Meley’s footsteps. (Hull Daily Mail)

On the Hull derby, Evans told the Hull Daily Mail: “James Clark was showing me a PowerPoint presentation about the city of Hull and its history with the derby. He was showing me pictures and I got goosebumps seeing it. To be in a big game like that, that’s one of the big things I’m looking forward to. I heard families are divided that week.”

France star attracting interest

Catalans Dragons prop Paul Seguier is attracting plenty of interest from the NRL. (The Mole, Wide World of Sports)

The 24-year-old enjoyed a strong season with the Dragons in 2021, making 13 appearances and helping them reach the Super League Grand Final. Seguier played in France’s recent test against England and St George Illawarra Dragons are keen on him, according to The Mole.

International dilemma for Wigan ace

An England Knights call-up has given promising Wigan youngster James McDonnell an international dilemma. (Wigan Today)

McDonnell was a late call-up to the Knights for their recent win over Jamaica. However, he was initially aiming to make the Ireland squad at the start of the year. He told Wigan Today: My dad is from Ballycastle in County Mayo and that’s where the majority of my family are from. I do try and get over there pretty regularly. If England wasn’t on my radar now for being first choice, it would be something I would be massively proud to do.”

Birthdays

Former Wigan winger Amos Roberts turns 41 today (November 2).

Also celebrating; former Ireland captain Liam Finn (38), ex-Oldham prop Ben Davies (32) and Scotland international Kieran Moran (25).

Trivia

Former Scotland captain and Man of Steel Danny Brough retires as the joint fifth highest points scorer in rugby league history. He is tied with Leigh legend John Woods on 3,985 points.

READ MORE: Championship ins and outs for 2022: Signings and retentions club-by-club