For those few of who aren’t aware, Jackson Hastings is the son of Kevin “Horrie’ Hastings, a rugby league legend.
It’s unclear why Jackson seems to rub his teammates up the wrong way – however, it’s certainly not a trait he picked up from his father.
The much-loved Hastings Senior was a popular member of the highly competitive Rooster sides of the 80’s. Some say he’s the most talented player to not be selected for the national side.
Although he must have come close, winning the Dally M Halfback Of The Year for three years in a row from 1980-82. He was also voted Rugby League Week magazine’s Player Of The Year during the same three-year period.
He played one grand final in 1980, losing to the tenacious Canterbury Bulldogs and also played one State Of Origin, coming off the bench as a utility player in 1983.
Time will tell if Jackson can match the representative feats of his old man, although you wouldn’t put money on it. That’s not to say he doesn’t have the skills – his short kicking game is one of the best in the league when he’s given the chance to demonstrate it.
He has an accurate long passing game, a decent step and he’s a fighter in defence. Not to mention that he has the organisational skills that a modern halfback requires.
Throughout his teen years, the younger Hastings looked to be set for a stellar career, having represented the Junior Kangaroos in 2015 and previously the NSW Blues under-20s team.
The big question is whether he has the personality to gain the respect and support of his fellow players on and off the field. He was let go from the Roosters after claims of arrogance and disrespect towards the leadership group.
And we’re now hearing a similar story playing out at the Manly Sea Eagles. Currently, Jackson is playing in the lower leagues.
Looking at multi-generational players, it’s hard to find an offspring that has matched the success of their famous father. You could argue that the Morris twins have equalled the deeds of dad Stevie, but who else?
We had Eric Grothe Jr who played representative level, but never reached the consistency levels required of a champion. Maybe another halfback, Nathan Cleary, will out-perform his dad, but only time and injuries will tell.
Rugby League has a forgiving culture, so maybe one day Jackson will be given the opportunity to redeem himself and live up to his potential. One thing’s for sure, he won’t be giving up on his dream to continue the Hastings legacy.
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