If the advice of a Knights legend is anything to go by, Jackson Hastings believes Newcastle will see the very best version of him over the next three Telstra Premiership seasons.
In his first interview since joining the Knights from the Wests Tigers, as part of a move which saw veteran prop David Klemmer go the other way and join Tim Sheens’ side with immediate effect, 26-year-old Hastings recalled a conversation he had with Andrew Johns as a teenager, in which ‘Joey’ told him halves tend to peak much later in their careers than other positions.
“I remember a quote that Joey told me when I was 18, that the game doesn’t actually slow down proper for you until you are about 27 or 28,” Hastings said.
“I don’t think I am going to hit my peak as a halfback until 28-30.
“Being 26, I’ve got about 150 games under my belt in between both [NRL and Super League], played in two grand finals now, been in some successful sides in the NRL.
“Definitely [my best is to come]. I am still learning.”
Season shapers: Knights
After a four-season stint in the UK Super League, following five years with the Roosters and then Sea Eagles, Hastings resurrected his NRL career at the Wests Tigers last year, playing 16 games as both a half and lock.
As a junior in the Illawarra region Hastings supported the Roosters, the club his father Kevin played 232 games for through the 1970s and 1980s, but said he always had a soft spot for Newcastle.
“I supported the Roosters because of my old man, but Joey was my favourite player too, so when everyone used to say ‘who do you go for?’ I’d always say the Roosters simply because of my dad, but in the background was always the Knights too.
[Joey] was my childhood idol and someone I just adored. I got to work with him at the Roosters as an 18-year-old and come full circle and I get to work with him again as a grown man too.
Jackson Hastings
“He probably doesn’t realise the impact he’s had on my career so far. He’s always been there for a chat, him and Matty… the Johns boys have had a huge impact on my career.
“To be able to sit here and say I’ve played for the club they helped make great is pretty cool.”
In addition to working alongside Johns, who is a specialist coaching consultant at the Knights, Hastings said he is excited by the prospect of learning from the likes of former NRL halves Blake Green, Michael Dobson and Michael Monaghan, who are part of the club’s staff.
Hastings just keeps getting better
“People who have played at the highest level in the halves. It’s appealing to come and work with them,” Hastings said.
“I’ve still got plenty of years ahead of me and still want to develop my game.”
It remains unclear who will be the likely partner to Hastings in the halves, with Adam Clune, Phoenix Crossland, fellow new signing Tyson Gamble and even superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga a chance of wearing the No.6 jersey.