Jackson Hastings says he’ll be back in the NRL sooner rather than later

JACKSON Hastings is bound for Super League but the controversial halfback is adamant he’ll be back in the NRL sooner rather than later.

Jackson Hastings pictured during the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles game held at the Belmore Sports Ground in Belmore. Picture: Christian Gilles

UK BOUND former Manly utility Jackson Hastings has declared: “I’ll be back in the NRL.”

Speaking for the first time since leaving Manly following a messy fallout with Daly Cherry-Evans, Hastings, 22, claimed he held “no grudges” against the Sea Eagles players who forced him to become an NRL exile.

Hastings will today leave Australia to play in the English Super League with the Salford Reds.

“I have to thank Salford for giving me the opportunity,’’ Hastings told The Sunday Telegraph.

Hastings has signed with Super League side Salford. Picture: Christian Gilles

“But I am hoping it is only a short-term deal. I am going over there to give them all I have.

“I want to play a part in making sure they don’t get relegated from the Super League. But I am hoping to be back here by the end of the year.’’

Hastings, the son of Roosters legend Kevin Hastings, was shunned by the Sea Eagles after a fight with Cherry-Evans in April.

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Senior Manly players refused to play with Hastings after the former Roosters utility came to blows with the Manly captain following a visit to Gladstone’s The Board Room strip club.

Hastings played NSW Cup for Blacktown before quitting the Sea Eagles last month.

“I hold no grudges,’’ he said.

“I don’t want to blame anyone or look to the past. It is all about the future now.’’

Hastings was run out of Manly. Picture: Christian Gilles

Hastings is determined to resume his NRL career following his stint with Salford, which will begin in France next Saturday when the Reds play Catalans Dragons.

“This is only temporary,’’ he said. “I’ll be back.

“My intention is to come back to the NRL and prove myself. I want to put everything behind me and come back and become the player I know I can be.

“My plan in the UK is to gain some experience and grow into a better person and player.

“I hold no grudges and just want to be the player I know I can be.’’

Hastings is expected to play alongside former Wests Tiger and North Queensland Cowboy Rob Lui in the halves for Salford.

Originally published as Jackson Hastings says he’ll be back in the NRL sooner rather than later