Jackson Hastings says emotional goodbye to Super League

Jackson Hastings says he will be forever grateful to Wigan and Salford for making him a better person than he was when he came to Super League.

The 25-year-old played his final game in Super League on Thursday night as his Wigan side were eliminated from the play-offs following an 8-0 defeat to Leeds.

Hastings, who has been a fan favourite since arriving in England in 2018, will head back home to Australia next season after signing a two-year deal with Wests Tigers.

The Great Britain international won the Steve Prescott Man of Steel award whilst with Salford in 2019. He also reached the Super League Grand Final with both Salford (2019) and Wigan (2020).

Grateful

“It’s been an honour to not only play for Wigan, but for Salford as well.” Hastings told Sky Sports.

“The people involved in both clubs took a chance on me. They put the time and effort into me and put their arm around me when not many people would.

“I’m emotional because I care. I love this club, I love Salford and I love everyone that has supported me along the way.

“Without my partner and her family in England and obviously my mum and my family back home I wouldn’t be half the man I am. I’m leaving this club a way better man than what I came to it so I’m forever grateful and in debt to Wigan and Salford.”

An emotional farewell from Jackson Hastings 😥#SuperLeague #SLWigLee pic.twitter.com/bT2T3SEg7z

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 23, 2021

Jackson Hastings, who made 47 appearances in the NRL with Sydney Roosters and Manly Sea Eagles before his move to Super League, says he now truly appreciates the honour of being a professional rugby league player.

“I’m just grateful for everything.” he continued. “I understand the privilege of what it is to be a professional rugby league player. I sort of didn’t respect that previously.

“I’ve been to two Grand Finals now and I’ve realised how good that feeling is. It’s addictive. Even though you lose you just want to get back there and do it again.

“The people at this club definitely put their arm around me. They made me realise that you’ve got to keep the main thing the main thing and keep your head on and that’s one thing I’ll take back to Australia with me.

“I’m a far better person than what I was when I come. Lammy’s (Adrian Lam) input, Kris Rads’ (Kris Radlinski) input and the playing group’s input has helped me drastically and I can never repay them. I’m just so grateful.”