Jackson Hastings wants to stay at Wests Tigers as part of Benji era

Jackson Hastings has had enough of his rugby league career being a travelling roadshow and wants to put down roots at the bottom-placed Wests Tigers.

The playmaker, who has recently been deployed at lock, has been linked with a move away from the Tigers this last week despite having a year to run on his contract.

Hastings is still just 26 but has already played for Manly, the Sydney Roosters, the Tigers along with Super League sides Wigan and Salford.

“Hopefully I get a chance to stay here long term, I’d love to not bounce around clubs my whole career,” he told AAP.

“I’d like to build a bit of a home at one place and stay with the same players and build a combination and friendships that last a lifetime along with some good memories too.

“I haven’t heard that I’m going anywhere else, I’m committed to being here.

“It’s not entirely up to the player because the club has got to want you first and foremost and see you in their vision and if that all fits, I see no reason why I wouldn’t be here.”

Hastings’ move to lock has coincided with the return of Adam Doueihi as five-eighth with Luke Brooks keeping his spot at halfback despite some underwhelming showings.

“I’ve got two games under my belt there and I’ve bought into the fact that the club see me there,” he said.

“They told me I was going to be doing it and I’ve tried to rip in and feel like I’ve done a fair job.

“People will say they will do anything for the team and I got put in that position where I’ve had to prove it and I hope I’m doing the role justice.”

Part of the lure to staying at the Tigers is that Hastings says he wants to learn off Benji Marshall and be coached by premiership-winning coach Tim Sheens.

Sheens, who turns 72 in October, will return to the hot seat next season with Marshall being groomed as an assistant prior to taking charge of the first team in 2025.

“I played against Benji for Great Britain (against New Zealand) and we swapped jerseys in 2019,” Hasting said.

“It was pretty daunting for me to play against Benji.

“I remember I asked him pretty early on if we could swap jerseys and he gave me a bit of a weird look. He stuck to his word and it’s one I’ve got a home that I always look at.”

Hastings revealed he had spoken to England coach Shaun Wane over the last fortnight and hoped to be a part of their squad for the Rugby League World Cup later this year.