JACKSON Hastings insists he is happy to have to prove himself all over again at St Helens after signing a one-year contract.
The mercurial halfback was named Super League’s Man of Steel in 2019 for his role in Salford Red Devils’ run to the grand final where they were beaten by his new club.
Hastings also spent two seasons with Saints’ arch rivals Wigan Warriors before returning to his native Australia in 2022, and the 29-year-old is adamant he does not mind having to prove he is worthy of a longer-term deal after only signing for 2026 at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
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“I’m hungry to be better!” 💪
Former Super League Man of Steel Jackson Hastings is ready to give his all when he returns to the league with St Helens in 2026 🙌 pic.twitter.com/atpPIuvJ2h
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) December 1, 2025
“There were talks of doing an option, but the big message I wanted to get across was I’m not coming across just because I want to or had to,” Hastings told The Bench podcast.
“I want to come and prove my worth, and if I’m good enough to earn another contract at St Helens then that would be my first option and prolong my career playing for the club.
“It’s a two-way street, I’ve got to earn that contract and the contract has to be there to sign.
“I’m coming over with no promises from the club, and I want to earn the respect and trust first off.”
A big addition for @Saints1890 👀#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/64NswhvKWF
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) November 20, 2025
Former Sydney Roosters and Manly Sea Eagles player Hastings has endured something of a torrid time since returning to the NRL three years ago.
He initially moved back with Wests Tigers on a two-season A$500,000 contract, but they finished bottom of the table in 2022 and he was released from the final year of that deal.
From there, the former Great Britain international moved to Newcastle Knights on a three-year deal but gradually fell down the pecking order, making just five first-grade appearances in 2025.
Despite those struggles, Hastings believes he is a better all-round player than when he was last on these shores and is determined to showcase that with the 10-time Super League champions.
New St Helens team-mates Tristan Sailor and Jacob Host are familiar faces at the club, as is recently-appointed head coach Paul Rowley, who served as assistant to Ian Watson during Hastings’ time at Salford and played a key role in bringing him to Merseyside.
“I remember just messaging Rowls when he got the job and I’d stayed in contact with him throughout the time he took over as Salford head coach,” Hastings said.
“He did a lot for me that year at Salford when he came in as assistant and was very hands-on with me and very good with my mentality towards the game, and complemented how Watto was with me, and they worked really well in tandem.
“When he got the Saints job, it was almost like a joke but it wasn’t a joke saying ‘if you need me, I’m always here’ kind of thing – and that kind of progressed really quickly.
“They’ve beaten me in two grand finals, so I’m hoping I’m on the right side of fortune this year.”