Jackson Hastings focused on Salford and in no rush to decide on future

James Gordon

Photo courtesy of Richard Long

Salford star Jackson Hastings says he is focused on leading his team to the play-offs and is not letting talk surrounding his future distract him.

Hastings, 23, was a pivotal figure in a heartbreaking loss for the Red Devils last weekend, as they went down 32-30 away at league leaders St Helens.

Coach Ian Watson said after the recent game against Hull KR that several of his players are being unsettled by contract talks, and forward Josh Jones this week confirmed he had signed for Hull FC for next season.

Hastings said: “I heard the comments after the Hull KR game and how it’s affecting people, and I can only talk on my behalf and know that it doesn’t affect me at all.

“You have an agent who deals with all that and for me, I just go about my business as usual. I go out there to play footy and that’s what I get paid to do.

“I’m currently paid by Salford and it would be totally disrespectful to not go out there and give my all for the club now.

“I could see where it could distract people and bring people down but for me it’s one of those things that you sign up for a professional athlete.

“I’m in no rush. I want to make the right decision long term for my career.”

Hastings joined Salford from Manly Sea Eagles last July and was heavily linked with a move away in the off-season, before committing to the Red Devils for 2019.

He has been linked with a move to Wigan, amongst others, and has also made public his desire to one day return to the NRL.