The Mole: England attempts to lure exiled NRL young gun Jackson Hastings
Hastings turns down England
Unwanted in Australia just a few months ago, Jackson Hastings has been sounded out to play for England.
Hastings was forced out of Australia after damaging front page stories declared Manly players didn’t want him alongside them in their ranks.
But Hastings has shone since moving to England and was invited to play for the England Knights recently - the British equivalent of the Junior Kangaroos.
Hastings’ grandfather was born in England, enabling the young star to play football for the Lions.
But after some consideration, Hasting knocked back the offer, which could have led to full England Test selection, preferring to remain an Australian in the eligibility ranks.
He recently re-signed with English club Salford and is expected to return to the NRL to continue picking up the pieces of his career in 2020.
Rabbitohs sign schoolboy star
Souths have signed a 'gun' prop or second-rower from Queensland league breeding ground Marsden High School.
Ranked among the best rising forwards in schoolboy football, Augustine Stowers will join the Rabbitohs next season.
Marsden High School has produced a host of NRL stars including Cameron Smith, Israel Folau and Jaydn Su'a and Souths are confident Stowers will also make the grade.
Stowers was crowned forward of the year in the NRL School Cup competition in Queensland this season.
A tall ball runner with ball playing ability, he is mature beyond his years and Souths are excited about his prospects after beating several clubs to gain his signature.
New staff for Cleary
Gus Gould is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the Panthers have the best possible support for prodigal son Ivan Cleary next season.
The club has recruited three of the most experienced fitness and medical men in rugby league - Hayden Knowles, Craig Catterick and Scott Campbell - to assist Cleary.
All three have been signed from the Gold Coast in a major coup for the Panthers.
Knowles is a fitness guru, while Catterick and Campbell are past masters at rehab and getting players back on the field in quick time.
The trio add a much more professional edge to the Panthers’ staff and the players will appreciate their input and experience.
Mixed news for Bulldogs
It’s been a good news - bad news time for the Bulldogs as they return to training over the past week.
The club has lost its ISP player of the year this season in back-rower Lachlan Burr.
Burr has signed to play with the Warriors next season and his departure will hurt the club’s depth.
But on the positive side, three players who had recent surgery have all returned in good shape and will be fit for the 2019 kickoff.
Key forward Josh Jackson (shoulder), utility back Kerrod Holland (ankle) and strike forward Raymond Faitala-Mariner (knee) all had successful operations and will be right for the 2019 kickoff in March.
