NRL 2021: Shane Flanagan backs away from Wests Tigers’ coaching job

Tim Sheens and the Wests Tigers must turn to Plan B after Shane Flanagan opted not to take up a job as assistant to Michael Maguire.

Dragons assistant coach Shane Flanagan looks on during the warm-up ahead of the Round 4 NRL match between the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney, Monday, June 8, 2020. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Shane Flanagan has withdrawn his interest in assisting Michael Maguire at the Wests Tigers.

The former Cronulla premiership-winner had been discussed by Tigers management as a candidate to support Maguire in 2022.

However, Flanagan has advised his management team that after considering the position, he won’t be pursuing the role.

Maguire’s assistant coaches with the New Zealand Test team, Nathan Cayless and Ben Gardiner, are now considered the front-runners to join the Tigers first grade coaching staff.

Cayless spent last season with the Roosters staff while Gardiner was head coach of Western Suburbs in the NSW Cup.

Shane Flanagan has turned his back on a job with the Wests Tigers. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

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Can returning saviour turn NRL bad boy into a hero?

Jackson Hastings arrived in the UK “as the kid with all the issues”. He says he is returning to Australia having redeemed himself through not only his football but his public image.

Hastings is making a comeback to the NRL after a highly successful 3 ½ year stint in the Super League. He not only had on-field success but Hastings rebuilt his life away from home.

He comes back to the NRL as a 25-year-old international. The Wests Tigers recruit knows he has taken the long-road back to Australia but it was a path he needed to take.

Jackson Hastings is returning to the NRL after a succesful Super League stint. Picture: Jeremy Piper

“It took a lot of me going out of my way to show the real me and getting out of my comfort zone,” Hastings told the Sunday Telegraph from England.

“I had to work so hard on the field but also off the field and away from the game on who I wanted to be and who I wanted to become. I came over as the kid with all the issues but I’m coming back as fan favourite. That’s something I had close to my heart. The fans loved and appreciated me and hopefully I can have the same impact at the Tigers.”

Hastings was an instant success in England. He helped Salford go from narrowly avoiding relegation to grand finalists in the space of 12 months and picked up a Man of Steel award on the way.

Jackson Hastings played in the NRL for the Roosters ...

... and the Sea Eagles.

In his first year at Wigan last season they lost in the most epic of deciders and this year he picked up the club’s player of the year award. He represented Great Britain under Wayne Bennett and captained the Combined All-Stars team earlier this year. New Tigers head of football Tim Sheens coached the All-Stars team.

Hastings said he had grown up a lot since his unhappy exit from the Sea Eagles.

“I was put into the spotlight as a kid and I didn’t handle it well,” Hastings said.

“I had issues. I moved clubs and I put myself in uncompromising positions. I only have myself to blame. I don’t point the figure at anyone for my demise. I may not have agreed with all the decisions but I was young and silly and I paid the price.

“It became looking at myself in the mirror and seeing how I could improve. There were days I questioned if I was good enough, but I never questioned how hard I would work and how much time and effort I put into each game. As soon as I jumped off that plane I made a promise to make every post a winner.

“To be given the captaincy by Tim this year showed how far I’ve come.”

Jackson Hastings became a fan favourite with the Wigan Warriors.

Hastings is unclear on just when he will arrive in Australia. Travel restrictions have meant he is on a waiting list which means he could leave “tomorrow or next week”. He said coach Michael Maguire was a “driving force” in getting him to the Tigers.

“I met him a couple of times and his drive, passion and enthusiasm is what I’m fond of,” Hastings said.

“Like Madge (Maguire) I want to be part of turning the tide with the club. I’m passionate about doing that. I’m going to work hard and have enthusiasm.

“I don’t expect to play in any one position. I’m just grateful to be back in the NRL. I see myself as a halfback but I will play anywhere that will benefit the team and its success.”