Why Jackson Hastings is staying at Wigan Warriors

He follows Bevan French in committing his future to the Warriors - with Thomas Leuluai also hoping to stay on for 2021.

Hastings has played in 19 games this season and his strong form has helped the club to the league leaders' shield and put them 80 minutes away from a Grand Final.

He was out of contract at the end of this season, having initially turned down the option in his favour for 2021.

Executive director Kris Radlinski explained: "There was a clause in the contract in Jackson's favour which needed to be taken by the end of June.

"Due to the Covid-19 situation that the world found itself in, Jackson had to make a call on his future having only played a handful of the games for the club.

“Despite originally not taking the extra year, he has been consistent throughout saying that it would be his preference to stay.

"After such a turbulent year, we are glad to have come to an agreement and look forward to an exciting 2021.

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"Jackson has proven that he is a quality rugby league player. He is one of the most committed and obsessive professionals that I have ever seen at the club."

With Hastings' friend Jai Field joining for next season, French staying and Harry Smith knocking on the door, Wigan will have an abundance of quality candidates for the crucial roles next season - especially if, as expected, Leuluai extends his stay with the club.

Hastings said: “I wanted to earn my second year and prove to myself, my team-mates and the fans that I could deliver for the club. I feel I have really earned the chance to be here for another year – I have gained the boys’ trust and respect and that’s what I really wanted to do.

“I’ve really enjoyed coming in to training every day – it’s a great place to come to. There are a few boys I’ve been familiar with over the years and a few that are on the same wavelength.

“The whole experience has been great. It’s an honour to play with the senior lads and understand what makes each of them tick. I feel like I’ve started to add my own flavour to what we’re doing, so it’s really exciting going forward.

“It would have been very hard to walk away from the relationships I’ve formed. The relationships we have at training correlate onto the field with the way we’ve been playing, so that played a massive part in why I wanted to stay.

“To the fans, I want them to know that I’m all in. I’m fully committed to the club. I can’t wait to play in front of them at the DW Stadium – I got a brief glimpse of it earlier in the year. Hopefully, we can continue to play well and get some big crowds in when they’re allowed back and keep playing at the top end of the table. It’s what this club deserves.”

A former Sydney Roosters and Manly playmaker, Hastings moved to the UK with Salford and won the Steve Prescott Man of Steel last season.

Coach Adrian Lam, also out of contract and expected to stay on, added: "I think he’s played better rugby this year than what he played last year. I strongly believe he’s playing a completely different brand and style and he’s adding his little bits to that.

“He’s the ultimate competitor. I’ve never seen anyone like him at training – he’s intense. He’s a smart player and brings that X factor to our team."

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