Kalyn Ponga may seem like “the best bloke on this planet” however Jackson Hastings insists there’s a severe facet to his Newcastle teammate because the Queenslander makes the transfer to five-eighth in 2023.
Ponga was absent from Friday’s underwhelming trial loss towards Cronulla, with Hastings rising unscathed in his first sport again since breaking his proper leg, one of many few positives for the Knights.
The Nice Britain worldwide was partnered with Tyson Gamble on Friday however he and Ponga are anticipated to be the membership’s halves duo come spherical one.
Hastings is relishing the prospect of testing that mixture with Ponga of their second trial towards Parramatta subsequent Friday, saying his fellow playmaker’s relaxed demeanor hides a fierce competitor who is set to succeed.
“The primary day I walked into the sheds at coaching he got here in with a vivid pink singlet on, hat backwards and he gave me this massive hug like we have identified one another for years,” Hastings mentioned.
“I do know he provides off that persona that he is too cool for varsity and he is simply relaxed however he loves the sport.
“He is a fairly deep thinker to be sincere. He has such a uncooked, pure expertise that it’s a must to put him in positions and watch him go to work.
“He is taken that management duty actually significantly this yr. I can not communicate to earlier years however this yr he is hell bent on being the perfect captain and finest participant he could be.”
The Knights completed 14th final season and coach Adam O’Brien has put his religion in Ponga’s partnership with Hastings dragging them up the desk.
Newcastle are additionally in a battle to retain towering English winger Dominic Younger, who’s being pursued by rival NRL golf equipment following a breakout World Cup.
Younger needs a call wrapped up earlier than the NRL season begins and Hastings has executed his finest to persuade the 200cm-tall flyer Newcastle is the perfect place for him.
“We have all instructed him we would like him to remain,” Hastings mentioned.
“He is confirmed final yr, in a facet that did not go all that nice, that he is a real finisher.
“He is acquired an enormous physique, he is a genetic freak, I might again him to be the quickest within the comp when he will get going – it is scared me how fast he’s.
“We wish him to remain. Dom’s acquired to make the perfect determination for Dom, however I do know Newcastle will do the whole lot they will to maintain him.”
