Jackson Hastings

[Chip and Chase]

I thought we looked better in attack with Cletus at 9 rather than Api against the Raiders. He just seems more direct and decisive with his service, and probably makes better decisions. I do think Api is probably better defensively, or more willing shall we say. In the small sample space we have witnessed so far then I feel there is more upside to Hastings.

 

[MadMarcus]

South Sydney won a premiership with Api at hooker

I dare you to say that to Issac Luke's face.

 

[Freagle]

Agreed that Hastings' delivery was better. Quicker, cleaner ball. But Api brings so much to the team - massive defence, huge energy and enthusiasm, 100% attitude at all times. Tough call... For the time being the balance is working, overall. Jackson off the bench, covering most backline possies?

 

[pjayz]

I thought we looked better in attack with Cletus at 9 rather than Api against the Raiders. He just seems more direct and decisive with his service, and probably makes better decisions. I do think Api is probably better defensively, or more willing shall we say. In the small sample space we have witnessed so far then I feel there is more upside to Hastings.

Api might have a bigger hit in him defensively but Hastings misses a quarter of the tackles when he was playing regularly at the Roosters - 0.8 misses v Api's 4. Totally agree that Hastings came on and the attack started to click instantly.

 

[robbiea]

I have massive wraps on Hastings ,interchange with Api is working great with both playing solid.But as soon as Hastings comes on our attack becomes more cohesive.I think we will start to see his minutes improve gradually.It looks like he has been told to go out there & "Do the basics" which he is doing .I think down the track with his minutes and confidence up we will see more of his natural playmaking style come out.I applaud Barrett on the way he seems to be handling the coaching & nurturing of Jackson..

From reading one of his recent interviews it sounds like he is embracing the "Utility" role and is loving his time on the Northern beaches & his place in the team.

After all of his former negative press ,it now looks like he has done a complete 180 (GE ,that's for you).

The added advantage is this year if one of our halves go down , I don't see us missing a beat.

(Isn't it nice when footy makes you happy again ??)

 

[Haliaeetus]

...if one of our halves go down ...

time for celebration in the WAG's box at that point

 

[Bearfax]

If it works, and it seems to be at the moment, then leave it be.

Api is a seasoned campaigner and is playing better than he was last year. Sure he has his deficiencies but he brings enthusiasm in attack and defence. Hastings is still learning his trade. Too easy to forget that at 21 years he's only a few months older than Kelly and less than a year older than Tom T. Api is 24.

If Hastings is handled well, he could turn into one of our very best, and the gradual step by step approach with increasing time in first grade, is giving him time to develop without copping the brutality at this stage of 80 minutes of heavy weight second rowers and props crushing him. He's destined for higher honours I believe, but incremental exposure in such a tough role as hooker (or 5/8 and half) wont hurt.

As a centre or full back, players are less exposed to the heavy forward play and can succeed earlier out wide. In the ruck its a brutal traffic jam. I think Barrett has it right.

 

[MadMarcus]

What if I said grand final , would he let me off the hook ?

You'd have to ask Issac...

 

[Fluffy]

Api might have a bigger hit in him defensively but Hastings misses a quarter of the tackles when he was playing regularly at the Roosters - 0.8 misses v Api's 4. Totally agree that Hastings came on and the attack started to click instantly.

only made about a quarter of the tackles that Api makes as well.

 

[manlyfan76]

Hastings with three good kicks tonight. Another feather in his bow.
He is smooth with the ball on hand really good to watch.

 

[Haliaeetus]

Deadset looks like a genuine footballer - Seems to have that certain something that That lets you know when he's on the field.

 

[Chip and Chase]

Thought Twent could have given him more time tonight. He should have played the whole second half to get some miles on the clock.

 

[Tragic Eagle]

He is class! Definitely has the "x" factor!

 

[EagleFlys]

Hastings > Api is (tbh) a no brainer if you didn't bring Api to Manly cause you were a Riff assistant coach

 

[Garts]

Hastings is a better option than Green imo. If he comes into the starting i would prefer its at Greens expense than Apis.

 

[Rynostradamus]

This is a no brainer for me. Hastings is the real deal. Sign him up for a 5 year extension now before we lose him. He covers the 7,6 and 9 and will form the perfect halves partner with chez post green. That conversion hullo we need him on the park for 80 to win the comp

 

[Holmsey]

I think our 2 hookers should just have the same combo becuasr it's a winning combo..

This is a no brainer for me. Hastings is the real deal. Sign him up for a 5 year extension now before we lose him. He covers the 7,6 and 9 and will form the perfect halves partner with chez post green. That conversion hullo we need him on the park for 80 to win the comp

Look i think tonight showed hes a quality player should be re signed. But api again tonight was amazing and had some great runs and is the long term hooker. Atm we should keep same combos. Hastings play bench until green retires with i think could be a bit longer than 2 years. We can sign a bench hooker again when hastings moves to 6 so api still gets that 20min rest.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

AND, he can kick goals!!!

 

[eaglebuzz]

He should've come on with 25 to go rather than 15 to go tonight. His impact was immediate.

 

[Normie]

Very crisp service and never looked like missing with his shots