Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien reveals why he dropped Jackson Hastings to the NSW Cup

Whispers about Jackson Hastings’ axing sent the NRL rumour mill into overdrive on Tuesday – Knights coach Adam O’Brien reveals how his halfback really reacted to the news.

Newcastle Knights coach Adam O'Brien. Picture: NRL Photos

Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien has hit out at suggestions that Jackson Hastings refused to train instead insisting it was his call to give the halfback some time off after he was dropped on Tuesday.

Hastings was a high profile casualty of Newcastle’s winless start to the season with O’Brien opting to give his no. 7 jumper to new recruit Jack Cogger.

Despite Hastings NSW Cup relegation, O’Brien commended the way Hastings took the news of his surprise axing. It was O’Brien who insisted that Hastings take some short time away from the group on Tuesday as they went through a light recovery session.

Hasting was among the first to attend Newcastle training on Wednesday morning.

Jackson Hastings has been dropped to the NSW Cup – for now. Picture: NRL Photos

“It was my call to give Jackson the rest of the day off,” O’Brien said. “There was no doubt he was disappointed about my decision (to drop him) but that’s because he has a high care about his team and his own performances.

“I could see the hurt in him which is natural. But at no stage did he refuse to do anything. I was the one who said to go home and get ready to train well on Wednesday. He agreed. I felt he needed a few hours to get his head around the decision.

“Our NSW Cup side didn’t even train on Tuesday. These situations are difficult for player and coach and I’m just disappointed what has been speculated about because it’s inaccurate and Jackson doesn’t deserve it.

“It was a conversation between myself and Jackson and only two people know what was said and I can tell you he handled it as best as he could.

“The boys had an active recovery day which is something he could’ve done from his backyard.

“I saw him at 715am on Wednesday and he was preparing for his day.”

Hastings paid the price after Newcastle’s golden point loss to North Queensland last weekend. Tyson Gamble retains the five-eighth jersey with Cogger starting. Jayden Brailey will also come off the bench for the first time this year.

O’Brien said there was a path back into the NRL for Hastings.

Newcastle Knights coach Adam O'Brien. Picture: NRL Photos

“This isn’t the end of Jackson,” O’Brien said. “I want to make that very clear. This isn’t a decision that I’ve taken lightly. I’m not saying we didn’t get the result because of Jackson Hastings.

“We needed a spark of energy. We are back here at home. I don’t want to wait until three quarters into the year to bring some energy into the team.

“It remains to be seen if it’s the right call. We’ve been clear on what he needs to work on and he is more than capable of doing it.

“It’ll give him a chance to work on his game without the stress. But he is a big part of our squad.

“He was a big part of our success last year and he will be a big part of any future success we have.

“I don’t want to understate what he has done for us. He will feature in our team again.”

Hastings became the fourth half dropped after just two rounds joining Sean O’Sullivan, Lachlan Ilias and Jayden Sullivan.

The Knights take on Melbourne on Sunday night.