BREAKING NEWS: Refusing to train with reserve grade after accepting axe, Hastings says, “I’m done, I’m going home.”
After being benched for Round 3, Knights halfback Jackson Hastings made the decision not to practice with the NSW Cup team.
After Newcastle lost their opening two games of the season, Hastings was fired and replaced by Panthers acquisition Jack Cogger.
But after hearing his fate from coach Adam O’Brien, Hastings chose to go home rather than take it personally and decided not to practice with the reserve-grade team.
Every club that the 28-year-old has played for has generated conflicting opinions, and it seems that the Knights, his sixth team in eight years, are no exception.
Tuesday night’s NRL 360 panel reviewed Hastings’ termination, which startled seasoned journalist Dean Ritchie.
“I think Jackson Hastings is their key playmaker, the No. 1 man they go to when they need someone to lead,” he added. “I’m stunned, I really am.”
“He played a significant role in Newcastle’s 10 straight victories that propelled them to the finals last year. And Adam O’Brien has parted ways with his halfback after 160 minutes and all the off-season work he put into the position.
Jackson Hastings declined Adam O’Brien’s invitation to train with the NSW Cup team. He left right away for home. He’s obviously shaken, and I’m not sure if he’ll be prepared to return.
“No, I’m done, I’m heading home,” he declared. Please don’t misunderstand—he was given the choice and chose not to participate. It wasn’t a dummy spit.
It goes without saying that he was shocked to be benched after just two games.
GET RELATED CONTENTS ON: BLACKSPORTNEWS.COUK