Can Jackson Hastings improve the Newcastle Knights in 2023?

Reports have begun to circulate through the NRL that the Wests Tigers and Newcastle Knights are nearing a swap deal that would see Tigers halfback Jackson Hastings in the Steel City, with Knights forward David Klemmer bound for Concord. News Corp has revealed today the swap would be with immediate effect to radically change the outlook of the 2023 NRL season for both of the struggling clubs.

News Corp has also revealed that not only have the Tigers been in talks with Klemmer about signing him since October, but that the Knights view Hastings as their long-term solution to their halfback issue.

These reports of the Newcastle Knights identification of Hastings should come as a shock to many with rumours circulating for close to 12 months that the Knights viewed Hastings’ team mate, Luke Brooks, as their solution to their halfback conundrum. It has been alleged that Brooks was highly regarded by Knights halves coach Andrew Johns who has been an enormous advocate for Brooks moving to the Knights.

Hastings has been credited as one of the key players in the Tigers side that improved so much when he was on the field this season, despite the club winning the wooden spoon. Should the Knights truly target Hastings in a player swap to fill the key playmaker role at their club, the ripple effect will extend as far as the English Super League.

Recent reports for the Wests Tigers have linked English hardman and second rower John Bateman to the club. While Bateman has not confirmed those rumours, he has not rejected them either. There have also been reports that Bateman and Hastings do not get on, proving the trade of Hastings would help facilitate Bateman’s move back down under.

Should Hastings been involved in this player swap to the Knights, they would receive a younger player who has more direct affect on the outcome of matches for the Knights, with the bonus of possible relief in the salary cap. However, the news is not all bad for the Tigers as Klemmer will bring a hard edge to the Tigers in the forward pack that will pair perfectly with Bateman.

Another aspect of the possible Hastings move to Newcastle will be the impact he has on the team around him. The Knights resigned superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga who is yet to fully unlock his potential. The Knights also have talented outside backs Bradman Best, Dom Young, Dane Gagai and possibly Kurt Mann who could start at five-eighth. Hastings would be instrumental in getting the best out of those players.

Towards the back end of the 2022 season, the Tigers began to use Hastings in the lock role as a small, ball playing forward, to further improve the organisation of the side. This resulted in Hastings being the victim of a horrific accident involving Broncos, Queensland and Australian forward Pat Carrigan and a hip drop tackle.

Given the plethora of forwards at the Knights, Hastings would likely stay in the halfback role full time which will be imperative to him retaining full health and having the greatest impact he can on the Knights side.

While it is yet to be confirmed the player swap is occurring, there appears to be positives for both clubs moving into the 2023 NRL season and beyond.

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