@the_third said in [Hastings signed for 22/23 \*Official\.](/post/1342026) said:
Hastings to leave Wigan
19 April 2021
Wigan Warriors can confirm that Jackson Hastings will leave the Club at the end of the 2021 season.
Hastings will join NRL side Wests Tigers for 2022 and 2023.
Wigan Warriors executive director, Kris Radlinski, said: “Jackson asked to see me on Sunday morning where he informed me that he has agreed a two-year deal in the NRL and will leave at the end of 2021 when his contract expires.
“There has been much speculation about an immediate exit, but I have had written assurances from his management team and through my relationship with Michael Maguire, 2021 was never an option.
“During my conversation, Jackson was incredibly humble and said he feels honoured to have represented the Club. I could see it in his eyes that he wants to leave Wigan a winner.
“We have never doubted his commitment as a Rugby League player. He brings an outstanding attitude to training every day and plays his heart out every week on the playing field.
“Wests Tigers are getting a player who is deeply motivated to succeed and will drive the rest of the playing squad.”
Hastings said: “I am extremely grateful to Ian Lenagan and Kris Radlinski and Adrian Lam to represent this great Club.
“Over the last 15 months I’ve really appreciated being part of such an historic place and the expectations that come along with that.
“Kris and I have spoken at length about what the future holds. Having such a great relationship with him, the door is open if an opportunity arises in the future.
“I’m really grateful to all the fans for putting up with the rumours and speculation. I have given everything I have to the jersey and I will continue to do that for the rest of this year. I am an extremely driven individual that’s super committed to bringing success to Wigan in 2021.
“Now this is out of the way, I just want to get on with playing Rugby League. I am solely focused on 2021 and the goal we have as a Club for this year.
“Once again, I would like to say thank you to the Wigan fans for the constant support and I can’t wait to see them all back in the stands.”
All of this suggests we are receiving a mature minded version of Jackson, one with a dedicated work ethic and will to succeed.
Sounds like the same spin we heard from James Roberts and BJ
Lets be honest Jackson never had the same off field issues as Roberts and didn't burn through 5 or 6 NRL Clubs.
EXACTLY and that sums up the difference.
The reason that JTJ burned through 5 or 6 clubs is because his talent and ability was such that club after club were willing to take that risk for the potential reward (including us but we might be at the wrong end of the timeline).
What do you think is the reason that after he burned through Roosters and Manly, he couldnt get a NRL contract?
I would say at the time he was a footballer who valued his abilities a little more than his peers did and saw himself as somewhat entitled. I've also heard form a few that know him personally that during his stints with Roosters and Manly he was a little quirky and often misunderstood. He can be a little socially awkward and say/do the wrong things at the wrong times without realizing their consequences.
I've got a mate who's 100% the same, he would always say or do inappropriate things in social environments as for him it was an anxiety coping mechanism. Eventually over the years he found ways to deal with it or reel it in a little. This sort of personality can give others a false impression of someone.
It appears his time away from the game has given him the time to grow and mature mentally and we may be set to reap the reward.