The Gold Coast Titans are considering a surprise play for Jackson Hastings in 2026, with incoming coach Josh Hannay believed to see value in the much-travelled halfback’s experience.
Hastings, 29, won’t be offered a new deal by Newcastle after three inconsistent seasons and had been expected to return to the UK, where he produced some of his best football with Salford and Wigan. But according to Wide World of Sports,
Hannay is weighing up a move that could see him steer the Titans through the early stages of his tenure.
'An asset' for young playmakers
“Josh sees Jackson's experience and ability to get the team around the park as an asset,” a source close to the situation told Wide World of Sports. “He believes Jackson can get the best out of young players like Jayden Campbell and Keano Kini. They are weighing it up now.”
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The son of Roosters great Kevin Hastings, Jackson has endured an up-and-down NRL career, moving through stints at the Roosters, Manly, Tigers and Knights alongside successful spells in England and with Great Britain.
Despite finishing much of last season in NSW Cup with the struggling Knights, Hastings’ competitive edge and willingness to organise a team continues to attract attention at a time when quality playmakers are scarce.
Should the Titans pull the trigger, it would mark one of the first major recruitment calls of Hannay’s Gold Coast rebuild, and give Hastings one more shot to prove himself at NRL level.