Jackson Hastings wrestled with a thousand thoughts during his almost one-year absence from the NRL.
But the arrival of his youngest fan two months ago gave the Newcastle playmaker a new outlook on life.
In his first NRL appearance since he last represented the Knights against Brisbane on July 20 last year, Hastings played five-eighth alongside halfback Jack Cogger in Newcastle’s 12-8 loss to the Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Apart from ending a 329-day drought, it was his first NRL game in front of his daughter and first child, Scottie, who was born on April 13.
“I almost got my jersey embroidered. It felt like my debut again,” Hastings told reporters after full-time.
“I got to play in front of my eight-week-old daughter for the first time in first grade, so that meant more to me than actually just getting to go back out there.
Hastings doesn't skip a beat
“Playing in front of someone who’s obviously going to idolise me for a long period of time, my mindset has completely changed since having a baby.
“I’m grateful obviously for the fans, I love playing in the jersey. Every time I go out there, it’s never going to be perfect but I put my heart on the line. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose, but yeah, grateful to be back.”
Reportedly earning as much as $800,000 in the final season of his three-year contract with Newcastle, Hastings has been on the outer at the Knights in 2025.
Coach Adam O’Brien has preferred others in the No.6 and No.7 jerseys, and Hastings has been told his services are not required beyond this year, but injuries and State of Origin commitments earned him a recall against the Roosters.
Though he would obviously prefer to be playing NRL each week not NSW Cup, Hastings said Scottie's presence had given him a better perspective on what is important to him.
“Footy’s just under my daughter,” he said. “My daughter is obviously the most important thing in my life, but I love footy as much as the next person.
"I want to be playing first grade as much as I can but the boys that are playing in front of me are doing a great job as well.
“I’ve just got to bide my time, keep working hard, keep putting my best foot forward, and when I get a chance, go out and play my best, so if I can be in the 17 somewhere, I can play most positions.
“Probably not wing or centre, I’m slow as a wet week, but I can do a job in most positions, so if they need me to fill in anywhere, I’ve always done that throughout my career.”
Despite the lack of opportunities to play in the NRL this year, Hastings said he never lost confidence or self-belief.
The 29-year-old journeyman stayed positive and has used his time in NSW Cup to help mentor and guide Newcastle’s next wave of talented youngsters.
Denman product Brock Greacen became Newcastle’s eighth NRL debutant this season when he came on early in the second half against the Roosters.
“I didn’t lose hope ... I’m pretty confident in my own ability. It was just a matter of time when I fit into the equation,” he said.
“Fletcher Sharpe has arguably been our best player, and ‘Cogs’ and [Tyson] Gamble have both done a good job when they’ve been in the ‘seven’ [jersey] too.
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“So I just had to ply my trade in Cup, have a good attitude, and I don’t think anyone can question my effort back in Cup and how I’ve been training and how I’ve applied myself, and helping the young kids come through.
“There’s been a fair few debuts this year and I’d like to think I’ve played a tiny little part in their development, so it’s been great to be out sharing the main stage with them.
“I wouldn’t say I lost hope. Obviously, it looked pretty bleak at times, but I just kept my head down and worked hard, and the coach always said if there’s an opportunity there, I’ll get a chance, and he showed some faith in me so I’m grateful for that.”
O’Brien was pleased with the efforts of all players against the Roosters, as the undermanned Knights battled hard to build an 8-0 lead deep into the second half.
“I’m proud of all of them. I thought Jacko kept us in the game,” O’Brien said. “It’s been a long time for him, so he’s another one who we told during the week ‘you’re in’, and he grabbed it with two hands.”
Running the ball on the edges of the ruck, Hastings challenged the Roosters’ defensive line on multiple occasions and felt unlucky not to score a try or two.
“I like playing off the ball a bit more,” Hastings said. “Everyone seems to think the narrative on me is I’m an on-ball halfback and don’t take the line on, whereas when I play my best, I play a little bit wider.”
Hastings is yet to secure a new NRL deal for 2026, sparking speculation that he might have to consider returning to the English Super League, where he was the 2019 Man of Steel.
“Of course I’m hopeful to be in the NRL. I’ll just let my manager take care of that, just play good footy, and I’m not too worried about that at the moment,” he said.
“I think people need to realise how much I actually love playing here. Whether I’m here or not, I love putting this jersey on, and I’ve loved my time playing for the Knights.
"I’m not looking past trying to make the top eight here at the moment, where I fit into the team.”
