Having the passionate Super League fans back in stadiums “excites” Jackson Hastings

Matchday six of the Betfred Super League will welcome fans back into stadiums at a reduced capacity for the first time in 428 days. Castleford Tigers’ victory over St Helens at The Mend-A-Hose Jungle in March 2020 was the last time fans were allowed to attend.

Jackson Hastings admitted he can’t wait to have fans back inside stadiums again, but after so long without them it will be something he will have to adapt to.

“It’s great, I am really excited to play in front of some people. It’s going to be quite weird actually as I have got used to going out there and playing and nobody can boo you”.

Having played in both the NRL and Super League, the 25-year-old spoke about the differences between the two sets of fans.

“The singing definitely out ways the NRL, it’s more boos and cheers. Whereas in England, when the crowds are rocking and they are full stadiums it’s constant singing, chants, drums, and whistles”.

Jackson has only played in front of Wigan fans at the DW stadium three times due to government restrictions but he can’t wait to be back playing in front of the beloved Cherry and White fans again.

“As a player when you are tired and down, and you have thousands of home fans chanting your name or the club’s name it gives you that extra lift that you need.

“It’s a massive difference between the NRL and Super League, they are loud and passionate no doubt, but I think English sport in general definitely out ways the Aussie crowds in terms of noise and passion for sure”.

The Warriors half-back will make his first trip to Leigh Sports Village as a player on Monday night having attended games during his time at Salford.

“I have watched a few games there, when Junior Sa’u went over to play for them a few of the Salford boys went over to support him.

“The Leigh crowd is great, they are very passionate and get stuck into it. I’m really looking forward to having them back in the stands singing and dancing and going nuts for their team. It’s what sport is all about”.

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