Jackson Hastings ruled out for rest of the season

James Gordon
Jackson Hastings

Jackson Hastings’ first season back in the NRL looks to have been cruelly brought to a premature end.

Hastings, 26, was on the receiving end of a ‘horrendous’ tackle by Brisbane forward Patrick Carrigan in Wests’ 32-18 victory.

Reports Down Under state that the Great Britain international has suffered a broken leg and will undergo surgery that rules him out for an extended period.

Taking to Twitter, Hastings thanked fans for their support and said he hadn’t given up on this year yet.

Despite his English heritage seeing him selected for the Lions tour in 2019, there has been no real indication he is in contention for an England World Cup place this autumn.

Jackson Hastings said: “I love footy more than anything and obviously this will be challenging but I haven’t given up on a few goals come the end of this year and plan on doing everything I can to test myself physically and mentally.

“My main focus right now is to get under the knife asap and then get back to helping my team mates in anyway possible to finish off the year to the best of our abilities.

“I’ve loved being back in the NRL this season testing myself week to week.”

The former Sydney Roosters and Manly half-back revitalised his career by brightening up four seasons in Super League.

In his two years at Salford, he led them to a historic Super League Grand Final and won the Man of Steel in 2019.

He joined Wests ahead of the 2022 season and has made 16 appearances, contributing seven try assists.

Carrigan was placed on report for the tackle, which saw him join as third man and Hastings’ leg buckle underneath him.

Pundits have slammed the State of Origin forward for the so-called ‘hip drop’ and Tigers coach Brett Kimmorley dubbed it horrendous.

There has been recent speculation about Hastings’ future, despite him being on contract with the NRL club next season.

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NRL Jackson Hastings