Jackson Hastings and David Klemmer will swap clubs immediately after the Tigers and Knights agreed to a deal which has shaken up the NRL player market.
Hastings is poised to partner Kalyn Ponga in the halves if Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien follows through on moving his star fullback into five-eighth, while incoming coach Tim Sheens has added more grunt to the Tigers’ forward pack.
Hastings has signed a three-year deal to join the Knights, while Klemmer has agreed a three-year deal with Tigers which includes a mutual option for a fourth.
It continues a busy off-season for the Tigers, who have signed Api Koroisau (Panthers), Isaiah Papali’i (Eels) and Charlie Staines (Panthers), while releasing both Hastings and Tyrone Peachey early from their deals.
Tim Sheens’ side still remain in the market for English second-rower John Bateman, who is courting a return to the NRL.
“As a club we are obviously not satisfied that we finished last in 2022 and tough decisions need to be made,” Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe said.
Wests Tigers’ Jackson Hastings comes to terms with the after-the-siren loss to the Cowwboys.Credit:Getty
“Not everyone will be happy with some decisions we make, but we do not apologise for these decisions. Our members and fans need to understand that every decision that is made is in the best interests of this club and changing the fortunes on the field.
“On behalf of Wests Tigers, I would like to wish Jackson the very best with his future and thank him for his efforts over the past 12 months.”
Hastings made just 16 appearances for the Tigers and memorably kicked the winning field goal against the Eels to snap the club’s winless start to the season.
But with Luke Brooks and Adam Doueihi still on the books for 2023, Sheens has alleviated that problem and will add Klemmer to his front-row stocks in the process.
“We are delighted to have Jackson secured,” Knights director of football Peter Parr said. “He complements our playing roster and adds further depth to our halves, with the additional bonus of being a competent goal kicker.
“Jackson is at a stage of his career where he is coming into his prime and we believe his best years are ahead of him.”
Said Klemmer: “I can’t wait to rip into pre-season training, and I’m really excited about what’s ahead for us.
“I know Tim [Sheens] well through our time together with the Kangaroos and there’s a lot to like about where the club is headed. In many ways it’s a new start for the club, and I’m delighted to be a part of it.
“I want to make a difference here and that includes helping some of the younger players who haven’t played a lot of first grade yet.”
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