Jackson Hastings in action for the Dragons' U/20 side. Picture: Action Photographics
HIS father is a Roosters legend and now the Bondi-based club is trying to steal Jackson Hastings from under the nose of St George Illawarra.
Kevin "Horrie" Hastings lives in Florida these days, but his delight was obvious when word filtered through about the interest NRL clubs are showing in his son, including his former team the Roosters.
Young Jackson, who made his Holden Cup debut for the Dragons against Manly on Monday night - scoring a try and kicking five goals - is a chip off the old block.
"Jackson is tenacious, tough, aggressive and cheeky - just like his dad," Roosters recruitment officer Peter O'Sullivan said.
"Kevin was a legend at the Roosters and we would love to have Jackson here. If he wants to come, we would take him with open arms.
"He can play hooker, halfback, five-eighth and fullback. He is a footballer with great versatility. Jackson ticks plenty of boxes. He is certainly a player of interest."
Even though Kevin is living in the US, he was in Jackson's thoughts when he paid tribute to his mum and dad on Monday night with a special message taped to his wrist.
Kevin was one of the tricolours' most loved figures, playing 228 first-grade games for the club between 1976 and 1987. He is often described as one of the best players never to represent Australia.
Kevin Hastings
Eastern Suburbs great Kevin Hastings about to fire the ball from the back of a scrum in a match against Canterbury. Source: The Daily Telegraph
Hastings has noted Jackson's climb up the rugby league ladder with pride and will have a say in which club his son heads to, despite being on the other side of the world.
"I am sure there are a number of clubs chasing him," Hastings said via Facebook. "Sam Ayoub is his manager and when he receives any offers he will let Jackson's mum and I know.
"We will then all discuss the situation and figure out what is best for the young man. That will also include where clubs want to play him and what opportunities he has on and off the field.
"I will tell you that he truly loves his footy and he just wants to be the best that he can be."
Russell Fairfax, a former teammate of Hastings, yesterday described the former halfback as fearless - and he says Horrie's work ethic will have rubbed off on Jackson.
"I only have great memories of 'Horrie'," Fairfax said.
"He is the epitome of a guy that had every attribute you needed, but he somehow never made rep football. It was a crying shame.
"He had the physical side, the nous, the in-built grunt. He should have played rep football.
"There was nothing he wouldn't have a go at on the field.
"He was fearless and took everything as a challenge.
"If Jackson has some of the same traits as his old man, he will be a success. Kevin did all the fitness work and I have no doubt that would have rubbed off on his son.
"There wasn't anything or anyone Kevin wouldn't attempt to tackle."
The Roosters yesterday also re-signed Daniel Mortimer to a new two-year deal.
"I feel so comfortable here at the Roosters," Mortimer said. "I'm really enjoying being part of the team and have made some great friends here, on and off the field.
"The club has been great to me. I know my role and I'm learning so much.
"That's a big part of the reason I really wanted to stay. I'm excited that I'll continue to represent the Roosters for a further two years."
http://m.dailytelegraph.com.au/spor...-horrie-hastings/story-e6frexr9-1226637068567
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