Jackson Hastings hopeful of playing for England in Ashes series

Drew Darbyshire

Wigan star Jackson Hastings says he has a burning desire to play for England against Australia in the Ashes series this autumn.

The 24-year-old was born and raised in Australia but qualifies to play for England through his English grandmother.

Hastings, who earned three caps for Great Britain last year, has not been selected in Shaun Wane’s initial England squad but he hopes he can perform for Wigan in Super League this season to edge his way in to Wane’s plans.

He said: “The pinnacle of our sport is playing for your country and if I play well enough for Wigan then hopefully I can take my chance with both hands.

“The results from the Great Britain tour leave a bitter taste in your mouth but it has left me wanting more.

“It was a missed opportunity for us from winning the game at Eden Park last year and how the series may have looked from them.

“I was pretty happy with how I played at times for Great Britain but ultimately, we didn’t get the results so I would love to play for England one day and hopefully that starts with the Ashes.”

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