Banished Manly rugby league player Jackson Hastings says being outcast by the NRL club has brought him to tears, but he’s determined to learn how to fit in.
Hastings has been dropped to the Sea Eagles’ feeder team Blacktown, with first-grade coach Trent Barrett saying the utility is unlikely to be considered for NRL selection again this year.
It’s due to issues the club says relate to team balance and culture, and Hastings’ inability to get along with his teammates.
But the 22-year-old told News Corp that rather than let the fallout define him, he’s working hard to rectify the differences.
“It’s about trying to make myself a better bloke to fit into a team environment,” Hastings told News Corp.
“I’ve got to do what’s best to fit into the team and the culture. I’m trying to change really hard.”
Hastings acknowledges the public fallout has been hurtful and initially forced him to withdraw from team activities as he locked himself in his house and ignored his phone.
“It’s been really upsetting. My mother rings and to hear her sobbing.
“It doesn’t only affect me, it’s my family. I can wear it but my poor mum hasn’t stopped crying all week.”
Hastings says after already being released from Sydney Roosters, he’s now keen to address the issues and he’s sought professional help.
“The guy I’ve been seeing (his psychologist) has been fabulous. I’m learning more about myself,” he said.
“It wasn’t ideal at the Roosters or the way it finished up. It’s happened twice so there are obviously things I have to tinker with.”
uglykiwi
Roar Pro
BA_Sports; I agree; he has placed himself in a corner hasn't he! Basically the team is now split and playing accordingly. I dont think they were before, I think Barrett has handled this extremely poorly..... would Bellamy/Wayne have handled it this way......... no way. DCE has issues, Manly should have have let him go to the Titans; How could you not get on with the stewart boys/Whatno/etc... should that not have raised alarm bells....... Now they are saying its his team..... well it isnt, I would say; some of the players like him, some put up with him and the same could be said for Hastings.... so when a handful of DCE supporters go up to the coach and say they can't play with Hastings.... What would you do as coach......... NOT listen to them and basically sack Hastings...... No, you get DCE/Hastings in a room and sort it out (maybe slap them!!!); All he has done is isolate the players that liked Hastings over DCE and there are a few of them...... Those players are not going to listen to DCE when the going gets tough...... they will just do their job.... And at this level when there is nothing btw most teams....... thats enough to say that Manly's season is over. Barrett has shown his inexperience to deal with this matter and is paying the price. The only fix is to immediately sack Barrett, as harsh as that is, its the only way Manly will get back on track this year. You and I both know that will not happen, so Manly for the WS is the most likely outcome of this.
BA Sports
Roar Guru
I do actually feel for Hastings. Whatever his issues are, he does seem to want to work on them and has been. DCE on the other hand - how many people does he have to not get along with? There is a zero % chance he plays for QLD again this year. Ok, maybe 5% if a tonne of players get injured. Barrett is going to regret the statement that Hastings was banished for the season. He should have just said he was dropped for a behavioural issue and left it at that. All reports and footage suggest Hastings had a decent game on thew weekend for Workers while Croker was non-existent yesterday. Barely touched the ball.
Kangajets
Guest
Cherry Evans gets a 10000 dollars fine Hastings gets the sack
kk
Guest
Just do it Jackson. I want to see you playing rep. footy.