The Whiffy Kipper wrote:And this has been proven when?, While he was at Salford?, He was that world class down under that no other NRL club wanted him
Hold on there Whiffy. Take a breath and read what I put.
At no point have I said Hastings is a world class player. I don’t think any player can really be regarded as world class unless they are playing in the NRL with a few notable exception.
What I did say is Hastings is a world class competitor. He has a massive desire to win and be “the man” in the squad and this has been highlighted by his time at the Roosters and Manly. It was widely reported despite being a junior/rookie player he would challenge the senior players and show 0 respect when competing with them in training and it caused him a good few issues. Off field fall outs with team mates at both clubs got him the reputation as being a trouble causer.
Fighting with the NRL poster boy after a night out was the final straw but there were reports of friction before that at Manly as he was trying to take the mantle of the dominant half over club and I think at the time possibly Australian captain.
He clearly has traits in him that make him want to be the best he can be and test himself at the highest level. Having had one crack at it and the league turning his back on him because of his perceived bad attitude I’m sure he feels he has unfinished business.
I think the spell in SL however long it lasts has seen him manage to mature and learn to control that competitive edge that he has and he has shown with his performances over here he can now kick on and achieve his potential.
Having that ultra competitive attitude is what will make him want another go at the NRL but it is also what makes him the talent he is. He is clearly an ambitious lad and in our code particularly if you are Australian the only way to truly prove yourself is in the NRL.