NSW State of Origin legend Brad Fittler says Blues fans will get a glimpse of the future when Sydney Roosters prodigy Jackson Hastings steps up for shamed captain Mitchell Pearce.
The son of club icon Kevin Hastings will be tasked with orchestrating a Roosters attack in the absence of Pearce, whose NRL career remains in the balance as he addresses alcohol issues at an overseas rehab clinic.
Fittler was reluctant to discuss Pearce’s Australia Day antics but was excited at the prospect of Hastings, 20, taking over as lead playmaker, where he is expected to partnered in the halves by rookie Jayden Nikorima.
“A lot of it’s going to be them getting their head around big time footy, and Jackson Hastings especially taking a lot more responsibility,” Fittler said.
“We’ll get a real good opportunity to see some of the future of NSW in Jackson Hastings.”
It is understood the NRL integrity unit’s investigation into Pearce’s lewd video is now complete, although a punishment is unlikely to be handed out until the club returns from England.
The Roosters squad is currently preparing in Dubai for their World Club Series clash against St Helens next week, where Fittler hopes coach Trent Robinson is rallying his troops after a tumultuous start to the year.
“It can be a tough time travelling to England, a lot of travel,” he said.
“(But) if used rightly, and the boys bond well over there and get a good result, it can be a real positive for the club. It’s something they need, to get out of Sydney at the moment.”
The Roosters pre-season was thrown into further disarray after vice-captain Boyd Cordner was ruled out for three months with a pectoral injury, on the back of losing star centre Michael Jennings to Parramatta in January.
And with Blake Ferguson playing fullback for the first time and key prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves on the comeback trail from an ACL injury, this season looms as the biggest test of Robinson’s tenure.
“What a great challenge for the coach,” Fittler said.
“He had a pretty good run there early and with Jennings, Sonny (Bill Williams) and Luke O’Donnell – he got them surprising when he first started.
“Now this is a great opportunity for him to unite the club and bring them together and he’s going to have to work pretty hard to get results this year.”
The Roosters begin their season against arch rivals South Sydney on March 6.
Justthetip
Guest
Bonza I couldn't agree more. Hastings didn't over play his hand which I really liked. Many players, especially halves can feel obligated to come up with some special play because big games call for it. He didn't go looking for that play and simplified his job until options presented themselves. The big jump into the bright lights didn't make him hesitate at all and he produced a couple big plays. His mentality is what I think makes him NSW best halves prospect in a long time. Sezer is an underrated half who does his job well. My NSW backline would be 7 Hastings/A Reynolds 6 Sezer 5 Dugan 4 Jennings 3 Ferguson 2 Morris 1 Tedesco/Moylan NSW need reliable blokes in the 6 and 7 that possess that calm demeanour but also a solid kicking game. All 3 I named are well rounded players and having Tedesco or Moylan at the back gives an extra play making option. Austin puts up a solid argument if form doesn't falter but NSW already have a shed load of devastating ball runners.
James Gilmore
Guest
You will never hear a Queenslander Come out and say things like that about a young star, it's known as a priveledge and loyalty to play for the maroons . When you compare a Fittler to a Webke then it resembles the difference in speech and attitude ... Fittler and a lot of NSW old boys talk so much garbage and blow their chances of winning by talking up the expectations while QLD I'm sure are confident in winning but don't talk about it. All I'm saying is nsw should shut up, choose a team on form, and stick with them until the chemistry starts .. I am a qlder but even I can be fair and honest and say nsw has so much talent .. Gould, Fittler, Geyer, johns etc are all idiots at times
Bonza
Roar Rookie
When the Fulton/Old Boys club call it a day then NSW have a chance. Hastings may be a future winner, he certainly played with a cool head last year. Or maybe other players. Until someone has the balls to tap Fulton on the shoulder and say "move on champ" NSW will continue to be hammered. Remember Bozo suggested Paul Gallen should be an Immortal a few years ago. NSW using past legends as coach/selectors has let them down badly. Time for new blood after that 2015 Game 3 embarrassment. Why not Jackson Hastings?
Muzz
Guest
Together.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Will he be inducted before or after Horrie?
Muzz
Guest
Future immortal.
Roostermark
Guest
Hasting's will make Origin at some point whether he's the savior Brad is alluding to or not who knows alot can happen in the future.But I will say this in the short NRL career he has had so far he's well in front of where Pearce was at the same point. He has a good passing game, very very good kicking in general play and he thinks about what he's doing, which is more than Pearce does now. Pearce has the superior running game and is possibly better defensively.
jamesb
Guest
The thing I don't like is when the media make out that they are the next superstars of the game after just a handful of games.
Casper
Guest
From what I saw in 2015, Hastings is a bit too much of a cocky individualist to be labelled as a NSW saviour at this stage of his career. Anyway, with all those 'future internationals' Sydney club fans identify every season, Qld probably can't win origin again this century. NSW will always have the best side 'on paper' but they might have to wait until someone lays a paper surface on Allianz & Suncorp before they get a chance.
Don
Guest
This bloke has been severely overhyped IMO. Would have been excellent for him to play behind Pearce and Moloney for a few more years but with Moloney gone and who knows what with Pearce he may suffer the same fate as Mullen - having to be the main man too early and never developing into the player he could have been otherwise
The Barry
Roar Guru
So calling a 20 year old with 19 games experience "the future of NSW" isn't overhyping him before his time?
jamesb
Guest
They were overhyped before their time.
East Bound and Down
Guest
As long as the boys club exists and Laurie is coaching there is no future for NSW.
maximillian
Guest
I thought Luke Brooks & Mitchell Moses were the future of NSW? And Jarrod Mullen etc before that? We need to stop talking up these youngsters before they've actually achieved anything & just let them play.