“The peak of my powers is ahead of me”: Halfback’s plea for an NRL contract
Jackson Hastings knows his career is at a crossroads.
The 29-year-old halfback has endured a year of personal heartbreak and professional uncertainty after a devastating family tragedy and limited opportunities at the Newcastle Knights.
Now, as the off-season begins, he’s making one final plea for a lifeline to stay in the NRL.
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A year turned upside down
In July, Hastings received a call that changed his life. His sister rang to tell him their mother had died suddenly from a heart attack.
The loss rocked the family, leaving Hastings as the primary carer for his two younger sisters, Jonte and Jorja.
While still processing his grief, Hastings also saw his NRL future thrown into doubt, with just five appearances for Newcastle this season and no deal in place for 2026.
Fighting to stay in Australia
With his off-field responsibilities now firmly based in Australia, Hastings has ruled out a return to the UK Super League, despite his successful stints with Salford and Wigan, where he made 87 appearances and was named the 2019 Man of Steel.
“Whatever comes about, I know they’re getting a good rugby league player and a good person,” Hastings told News Corp.
“I’ve played my best footy over the last couple of years and I still reckon the peak of my powers is ahead of me.
“I just need a consistent run of being trusted and being given a role.”
Hastings’ preference is to remain in the NRL, though he would likely need to accept a significant pay cut from the $700,000 per season he earned at Newcastle.
Uncertain future on the Coast
Earlier reports linked Hastings to a potential move to the Gold Coast Titans, with incoming coach Josh Hannay said to be a fan of his versatility and experience.
The playmaker has proven capable of playing in the halves or at lock, but those talks appear to have cooled, leaving his options limited heading into 2026.
Despite the uncertainty, Hastings is refusing to give up.
After 100 NRL games and a reputation for resilience forged through both personal and professional setbacks, the former Roosters, Sea Eagles and Tigers half remains hopeful that one club will take a chance on him.
“My focus is just on working hard and being ready if the call comes,” Hastings said privately to friends earlier this year.
For now, the veteran playmaker’s future remains unclear – but his determination to stay in the NRL has never been stronger.