In the build-up to the 2023 NRL season, we caught up with some of our new players to get to know them a little better.
We sat down with Jackson Hastings to chat about his excitement for playing in front of the Newcastle crowd, his proudest career moments and who his sporting heroes.
Name: Jackson Hastings
Position/s: Halfback
Junior Club: Wests Illawarra Devils
When did you start playing rugby league?
I was around 7 or 8, and my Mum tried to push me on the field but I was too scared to get tackled or to get dirty, so my Mum got embarrassed and took me off.
One day, there was a Gala Day and I ran on the wing and scored a try in my first touch. Then, I thought this isn’t too bad.
The next stage was getting tackled, I got tackled and didn’t get hurt so from age 7 to 10 I loved it. I always loved the game; I just didn't have the courage to play.
What are you most looking forward to for the season?
Playing my first game, wearing the kit, and my playing number, it’s very meaningful to me. I’m very sentimental about that stuff too. I can’t wait for the first home game, in front of 20,000 and playing in front of a crowd that really loves and appreciates their footy too.
Proudest on-field moment?
I’ve got a few. Debuting at 18. I wanted to debut as a teenager and I got it at 18.
Also, to play for a club that I supported as a kid, the Roosters, was massive.
Playing in the two Grand Finals in the Super League, they were a huge honour.
Playing for Great Britain was massive too, representing my heritage and where my families from.
The field goal for the Tigers last year on Easter Monday from the 40-metre line was a huge moment. Just how the siren went just as I kicked it and I didn’t know if it was going over.
I probably can’t pick one moment because I’ve had so many ups and downs.
Greatest off-field achievement?
Probably, the way that I’ve been able to be at the lowest point that you could be on in life and not feel wanted, liked, or respected. To be able to get on a plane and be on the other side of the world and be on my own. To reinvent myself and be a way better version of myself than what I was.
Favourite Shapes Flavour?
I’m a very simple guy, I’ve got a very simple haircut. I go about my life in a very simple way, so it’s got to be Salt and Vinegar chips. I could eat Salt and Vinegar everything.
Last book you read or TV show you watched?
‘You can’t stop the sun from shining’ it’s a Sonny Bills Williams book. Also, me and my girlfriend randomly a week ago, put on Jersey Shore and we are up to the 3rd or 4th season now.
Any pets?
I didn’t realise I could love something until I bought my two dogs. I literally would do anything for them. *Shows us a photo while talking* I’ve got two caboodles. The little one is a toy poodle named Brucey and the big fellow is Benji, Benji is a psycho like his dad and Brucey is mellow.
Best piece of advice you've received?
"Enjoy every moment, footy goes fast, live in the present and enjoy the game.”
Favourite sportsman/s?
I’ve got a heap…Shane Warner, absolute GOAT, Lebron James the KANG, Dustin Martin (AFL), David Beckham and Tom Brady.
Any game day superstitions?
I used to wear the same speedos and I thought that was going to do something for me and it just never did. I like to eat breakout out, I don’t like to sit in the house for too long because I think about it too much.
