ST HELENS fans are justifiably excited by the signing of Jackson Hastings, but the former Man of Steel reckons they should be just as delighted with the other additions made to the squad.
Hastings was judged to be Super League’s best in 2019 when he led Salford Red Devils to Old Trafford – the first of successive Grand Final defeats to Saints, his other coming with Wigan Warriors.
After a four-year spell back in the NRL, the 29-year-old halfback has signed a one-year deal at Saints.
Four big-name overseas quota players have been added, with Hastings joined by backrower Jacob Host, Australia World Cup winner David Klemmer and Nene Macdonald, who has moved from Salford alongside new coach Paul Rowley.
“I played a lot of footy with Hosty growing up, and I’ve played a fair bit of footy against Dave,” said Hastings.
“I played a lot with Nene as well growing up at the (Sydney) Roosters, in the under-22s and first grade. He’s a special talent.
“He’s going to bring something to the club that not many teams in Super League will have, because he’s big, powerful, athletic, fast, and can win a game at the drop of a hat, so I’m excited to play with him.”
Hastings is also excited to reunite with Joe Shorrocks, who was an influential figure at Wigan during their time together.
The loose-forward has spent the past two seasons with Salford under Rowley.
Hastings said: “There are some 13s running around that can ball-play, but I think Shoz (Shorrocks) will really have an impact on the team, especially the way Rowls wants to play.
“There’s a reason he was brought to the club. He wasn’t just brought here because Rowls likes him, he’s a very good player. He’s someone Saints fan should really watch closely this year.
“I think his deception with the ball, the way he brings other middles onto the it, little intricacies like that, I think will be very valuable moving forward.”
On Saturday St Helens had an opposed training game against Widnes Vikings.