Jackson Hastings predicting fireworks as Wigan Warriors aim for Grand Final

Wigan return to the DW Stadium – for the first time in eight months – to take on Hull FC for a place in next week’s Grand Final.

The table-topping Warriors head into the clash in good form, having beaten Warrington, St Helens and Huddersifield recently.

Hastings said: “Both are playing for a Grand Final, it’s going to be all guns blazing.

“Hopefully we get the job done and get to Hull and have a crack at the big dance.”

Halfback Hastings hopes their composure in those matches will stand them in good stead.

He said: “In big games, as soon as you get behind you get people who can panic, but a number of times this year we’ve come back. We’ve crumbled at a couple of points but the majority of times we’ve managed to get back in front, and having Lockers, Tommy, Benny, people who’ve been around the block and been in this situation, will help us.”

Hull FC find themselves one game away from a home Grand Final at the KCOM Stadium, after the play-offs were expanded to six teams and following their victory against Warrington last week.

“They didn’t surprise me with the talent in their side, one to 17 they’re a brilliant team,” said Hastings.

“Jake Connor has gone to full-back and getting a lot more touches, and when they bring the two big fellas off the bench I think it really changes momentum and ruck speed. They’ve been quietly going around their business and we’ll not take them lightly.”

Hastings last week ended speculation over his own future by signing a new one-year deal with Wigan.

And he is expecting his coach, Adrian Lam, to also stay on. Their paths first crossed when Hastings played alongside Lam’s son, Lachlan, in the Sydney Roosters Under-20s side.

The 24-year-old joked: “We used to do an early morning gym session at the Roosters and go to Coogee for coffees, and Lammy would always walk past with his shirt off and shout us coffees. It would be 19 degrees, not even sunny and Lammy would stroll by with shades and no shirt on!

“I’ve known him for about 10 years and we have a bit of a deep connection. He cares about people, he cares about the culture of the club and making sure we’re in touch with the history of the club.

“It’s been unreal to get to know him even better. He doesn’t give much away but I think he’ll stay.”