JACKSON HASTINGS has not ruled out a stay at St Helens despite his contract there coming to an end.
Saints confirmed earlier this month that Hastings would be among the players released by the club at the end of this season as incoming boss Kevin Walters looks to get to grips with his new side.
But Hastings, who signed a one-year deal with the Merseyside club for 2026, has admitted he would love to remain at Saints.
Conversations at this point, however, have only been between Hastings’ management and Walters.
“I would love to stay,” Hastings admitted on the Nova Sport podcast.
“I spoke to him (Walters) briefly over text. I was trying to organise to catch up with him when he came over and he had to sort out where he was living, team lists, meet all the staff, so I didn’t get a chance to meet him.
“I think (my) manager is talking to him at the moment and just seeing what’s there. I’d obviously love to stay, I’ve heard a lot that I’m not staying, but I’d love to stay and hopefully be there for a longer period.
“At this stage, I don’t know if I will be there. As I said, I would like to be there but at this stage, it doesn’t look very likely so hopefully something can get worked out.”
Hastings served as captain for much of the year in the injury absence of Matty Lees, and recorded 29 Super League try assists.
But his performances were met with some criticism from supporters as Saints missed out on the play-offs for the first time in the summer era and he missed their final three matches through suspension after being sent off for punching Castleford Tigers forward Tyler Dupree.
“I’m embarrassed about the whole situation,” he said of how his season ended.
“I apologise to the boys, the fans, the club – I let us all down but the person I let down most was myself.”