The Knights finally landed the halfback they have been desperately searching for after the departure of Mitchell Pearce — and it could unlock marquee man Kalyn Ponga.
Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien has made his desire to shift Ponga to five-eighth no secret and after signing Jackson Hastings on Wednesday, that move could finally happen.
Hastings and Ponga look set to be the Knights’ halves pairing in 2023 and the former Tiger is a key signing according to NRL legend Andrew Johns.
Watch every match of the Rugby League World Cup LIVE & Exclusive to Fox Sports, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Crichton & Jurbo ‘biggest game of lives’ | 02:12
“I think it’s a great buy, a really good buy. I worked with Jackson years ago when I was at the Roosters, and he had so much talent,” Johns told WWOS.
“He went to England and sharpened up his trade. I watched from afar what he did at Salford, the way he played there, and obviously getting the Man of Steel.
“I’m pumped for him to come to Newcastle. It helps our club, it helps our team. He’s an on-ball player, he’s an out-and-out organising No.7.”
In 2019 then coach Nathan Brown started Ponga in the halves but quickly moved the talented ballrunner back to fullback.
The 24-year-old is clearly at his most dangerous with the ball in his hands, and Johns believes Hastings’ organisational playing style will compliment his partner’s free-flowing attacking game.
“(Hastings) is an on-ball old-fashioned halfback who just follows the ball and gets his hands on the ball as much as possible,” Johns said.
Manu collects one of game’s high honours | 01:22
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
“Which then frees up Kalyn to go anywhere and play, look for opportunities and communicate to Jackson to get the ball off him.
“I know Kalyn will be one of the best attacking five-eighths in the world. I’ve done bits and pieces with him. Last Friday I was up there… he’s just all class.”
While the Knights’ halves pairing looks all-but secured, Ponga’s big shift will cause another headache for the team from the Hunter — who plays fullback?
Tex Hoy’s departure to the Super League has left O’Brien’s fullback stocks running thin and a number of players have emerged as potential signings.
According to Fox League’s James Hooper, the Knights were in hot pursuit of Broncos fullback Tesi Niu.
The 21-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at the Broncos following the arrival of young gun Reece Walsh and reportedly has expressed his desire to leave.
Meninga adamant Kangaroos wary of Samoa | 02:28
MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
BURNING QUESTIONS: Why Cleary gamble could backfire; Suaalii’s $1.1m moment
WHISPERS: Bulldogs consider play for Broncos’ World Cup star amid No.1 battle
WC STARS’ PAYDAY: Panthers’ cap headache; Broncos’ $800k juggling act
RADLEY & MANU: Manu defends Roosters teammate over alleged WC brawl
“Tesi Niu has expressed an interest to leave (the Broncos),” Channel 9’s Ben Dobbin said.
“He’s currently contracted to the Brisbane Broncos for this season coming, but he has expressed an interest to leave.”
Meanwhile, Lachie Miller has also firmed as an option to fill the void according to Zero Tackle.
Miller joined Cronulla in 2022 following a stint playing Rugby Sevens for Australia where he competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The 28-year-old played seven games in his first season, making his debut in Round 11 against the Gold Coast Titans.
Despite making numerous appearances for the Sharks, Miller is a third string option at fullback for the club, sitting behind Will Kennedy and Kade Dykes.
