Knights halfback has a point to prove in NRL recall

Joanna Guelas and Jasper Bruce | June 13, 2025

Off-contract halfback Jackson Hastings will have a chance to remind Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien of his talent when he plays against the Sydney Roosters.

O’Brien is well aware out-of-favour Hastings will be out to push his case when he lines up for his first NRL game this year at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday.

The 29-year-old’s career at the Knights had looked finished, having gone unsighted at NRL level since last July.

He couldn’t convince O’Brien for a crack into the first grade side even as Newcastle struggled with seven losses from eight games between March and May.

Now more than halfway through the 27-round season, O’Brien has finally called upon Hastings out of necessity.

The Knights had few options, with Kalyn Ponga away on State of Origin duty, Tyson Gamble (thumb) out injured and Will Pryce released to the English Super League in March.

Newcastle also lost star Fletcher Sharpe (calf) on Friday.

“There’s a few guys in that situation and I have empathy for them,” O’Brien said of Hastings being off contract.

“Having an uncertain future is always a worry, but the only thing you control is your performance and that will give you your best chance.

“It’s a credit to Jackson. The injuries have presented an opportunity for him, and I can’t fault him.

“I knew that we’d get that from Jackson too, when you saw how genuine his celebration of the win last week was.

“He probably could sense that there might be an opportunity.”

Hastings will partner Jack Cogger in the halves, while newly re-signed Fletcher Hunt replaces injured Sharpe at fullback.

Kyle McCarthy joins the outside backs at centre.

“It’s similar in style as well as looks. They’re cloned,” O’Brien said of the two Fletchers.

“The looks, the country type, casual nature and then putting themselves in the frame like you saw with the kick last week.

“Both of those guys just have a great knack for putting themselves in a position to make something happen.”

Newcastle’s meeting with the Roosters comes amid speculation surrounding Dom Young’s playing future.

Tricolours coach Trent Robinson said Young could “possibly” be playing his final Roosters game against the Knights, who are plotting to bring the winger back to the Hunter before the June 30 transfer deadline.

Young has fallen out of favour at the Roosters this season following the rapid rise of Queensland centre Robert Toia and rugby convert Mark Nawaqanitawase.

Newcastle have publicly courted Young, who played on the right wing in their 2023 finals campaign, and the Roosters are open to a release.

There is a possibility Young plays against the Knights on Saturday, and for them next weekend, with Robinson saying he expected clarification on the Englishman’s future in a matter of days.

O’Brien said he’d wait until after the game to contact Young.

“If it happens that he’s wearing our colours on Sunday morning – well, that’ll be fantastic, but we’re not there yet,” O’Brien said.