Jackson Hastings vows to leave Wigan Warriors a winner after signing for Wests Tigers

He will join the NRL club, coached by ex-Warriors boss Michael Maguire, for 2022 on a two-year deal.

Hastings said: “I am extremely grateful to Ian Lenagan, Kris Radlinski and Adrian Lam to represent this great club.

“Over the last 15 months I’ve really appreciated being part of such an historic place and the expectations that come along with that.

“Kris and I have spoken at length about what the future holds. Having such a great relationship with him, the door is open if an opportunity arises in the future.

“I’m really grateful to all the fans for putting up with the rumours and speculation. I have given everything I have to the jersey, and I will continue to do that for the rest of this year. I am an extremely driven individual that’s super committed to bringing success to Wigan in 2021.

“Now this is out of the way, I just want to get on with playing rugby league. I am solely focused on 2021 and the goal we have as a club for this year.

“Once again, I would like to say thank you to the Wigan fans for the constant support and I can’t wait to see them all back in the stands.”

Hastings is out of contract with Wigan at the end of this year, and has made no secret of his NRL ambitions.

This development comes hours after the Warriors tied down young halfback Harry Smith to a long-term deal.

Warriors executive director Kris Radlinski said: “Jackson asked to see me on Sunday morning where he informed me that he has agreed a two-year deal in the NRL and will leave at the end of 2021 when his contract expires.

“There has been much speculation about an immediate exit, but I have had written assurances from his management team and through my relationship with Michael Maguire, 2021 was never an option. During my conversation, Jackson was incredibly humble and said he feels honoured to have represented the club. I could see it in his eyes that he wants to leave Wigan a winner.

“We have never doubted his commitment as a rugby league player. He brings an outstanding attitude to training every day and plays his heart out every week on the playing field.

“Wests Tigers are getting a player who is deeply motivated to succeed and will drive the rest of the playing squad.”

Former Sydney Roosters and Manly playmaker Hastings, 25, moved to Super League with Salford, first helping them avoid relegation and then guiding them to the Grand Final the following season.

He moved to Wigan last year and after a strong campaign, agreed a fresh one-year deal for 2021. There was speculation earlier this season that the Tigers wanted Hastings immediately, but that was quickly shot down by Wigan coach Adrian Lam, who shares the same manager, Sam Ayoub, as the player.