Jackson Hastings: Wests Tigers star handed three-match ban

Wests Tigers will be without star half-back Jackson Hastings for the next three games due to a dangerous throw charge in round two.

The 26-year-old was unsuccessful in having his dangerous throw charge downgraded at the judiciary on Tuesday.

Hastings was originally charged with a Grade 2 dangerous throw and a two-week suspension for his tackle on Newcastle Knights full-back Tex Hoy.

However, he failed in his appeal to have it downgraded and will now miss the next three rounds instead. He will miss the Tigers’ upcoming games against New Zealand Warriors, Gold Coast Titans and Cronulla Sharks.

Hastings has made a good impression on his return to the NRL. He was brilliant with the ball in his hand in their 26-4 to the Knights, leading the way for the Tigers in run metres with 200 rom 18 carries. He also made three tackle breaks and a line break in the match.

Although Michael Maguire’s side have lost the first two rounds, Hastings has been one of their most consistent performers.

Jackson Hastings background

Hastings was born in Wollongong, New South Wales on January 4, 1996.

He came through the ranks at Sydney Roosters, where he made his NRL debut in 2014. He made 34 appearances for the Roosters before joining fellow NRL side manly Sea Eagles in 2017.

Hastings would only play 13 games for the Sea Eagles across two seasons before making the move over to Super League in 2018 with Salford.

The Australian became a fan’s favourite at Salford, scoring 15 tries in 41 games for the club. He won the Steve Prescott Man of Steel award for being Super League’s best player in 2019. He was also named in the Super League Dream Team that same season.

Hastings then joined Wigan for two seasons in 2020. He scored 13 tries in 46 appearances for the Warriors, helping them clinch the League Leaders’ Shield in 2020.

Hastings has English heritage through his grandmother. He represented his English roots in 2019 when he went on the Great Britain Lions tour of the southern hemisphere, winning four caps.

The New South Welshman then represented the Combined Nations All Stars against England in 2021.

Hastings has played in the Tigers’ first two games of the season since his return to the NRL ahead of the 2022 season.

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