JACKSON Hastings believes he can help George Whitby become the next star English halfback after joining St Helens on a one-year contract.
The 2019 Man of Steel is returning to the Betfred Super League next season after four seasons back in the NRL with Wests Tigers and Newcastle Knights, linking up with his former Salford Red Devils assistant coach Paul Rowley at BrewDog Stadium.
Part of the 29-year-old’s role is set to be helping to mentor Whitby, who caught the eye in his 11 Saints appearances in 2025, and Hastings believes he can help the 19-year-old fulfil his undoubted potential.
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“I was really keen on helping George Whitby become not only the next great St Helens halfback, but the next great English halfback,” Hastings told The Bench podcast.
“When they mentioned that to me, it gave me a real excitement about…showing myself to be the real leader I know I am and putting my arm around him, and bringing him up with me and – who knows? – possibly playing together.
“I’ve watched him on TV, he’s got so much potential, he’s got all the skills and attributes, but there are little parts of his game and also away from footy I can help him with, help him relax a little bit away from football.”
Former Blackbrook junior Whitby, who is contracted to St Helens until at least the end of 2028, and Hastings join Jonny Lomax and Tristan Sailor as possible options in the halves for the 10-time Super League champions next season, with Jack Welsby also able to slot in if needed.
Hastings is seeking to rebuild his career after a tough time back in the NRL and acknowledges he faces competition for his place, but insists he is happy to lead by example whether he is in the starting XIII or not.
“I’ve had such great role-models throughout their career and the best role-models aren’t the ones who aren’t worried about their spot in the team, they’re worried about the team,” Hastings said.
“Part of worrying about the team, for me, is letting George into all my secrets and knowledge, and what I’ve done good and what I’ve done bad…and fill him with all that information as opposed to withholding it worried he might take my job.
“The same thing I’ve had at every place is the person in the same position as me, if they’re better than me then they deserve to play.
“It excites me I’m going to fill him with all the information he wants to take on. He might take on 10 percent, he might take on 20 percent, he might not listen to a word, but I just need him to know and want him to know my arm will always be around him.”