JACKSON HASTINGS will not be offered a new contract by St Helens.
The Australian halfback, a Man of Steel winner in 2019 with Salford Red Devils who also played for Wigan Warriors, signed from Newcastle Knights on a one-year deal ahead of this season.
That won’t be renewed despite him serving as captain for much of the year in the injury absence of Matty Lees, and recording 29 Super League try assists – second only to Leeds Rhinos’ Jake Connor.
His performances were met with some criticism from supporters as Saints sunk to their worst season in the summer era and he has missed their final three matches through suspension after being sent off for punching Castleford Tigers forward Tyler Dupree.
St Helens, who are also losing their retiring former skipper Jonny Lomax in the halfback department, have been linked with a move for Canterbury Bulldogs’ Sean O’Sullivan.
They also have club youth product George Whitby as an emerging scrum-half, although he will miss much of next season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury last month.
Jack Welsby – who only has one year left on his Saints contract – Tristan Sailor and Harry Robertson are also vying for places in their spine.
As well as Hastings, St Helens have confirmed that youngsters Alfie Sinclair, Leon Cowen, Cole Marsh, Chris Matagi and Luca Walsh will leave the club.
Matagi is expected to move to Australia on a development contract with Cronulla Sharks.