Jackson Hastings
A mercurial playmaker who revived his career in England's Super League, winning top honors and forcing his way back into international contention.
Born 1996 (age 30)·Great Britain international rugby league footballer·Birthday: January 4·Millennials
Biography
Jackson Hastings' rugby league journey reads like a redemption arc. Hailed as a future star in Australia's NRL, his early career at the Sydney Roosters and Manly-Warringah was marred by off-field controversies that saw him branded a difficult talent. Seeking a fresh start, he moved to the English Super League with Salford Red Devils in 2018 and immediately transformed both his game and his reputation. His leadership and creative genius took Salford to an unexpected Grand Final in 2019, earning him the prestigious Man of Steel award. A move to Wigan Warriors followed, where he added a Super League title and a Challenge Cup to his cabinet. His form in England was so compelling it earned him a recall to the Great Britain Lions squad for their 2019 tour, completing a remarkable personal turnaround that proved his world-class ability.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jackson was born in 1996, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jackson Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Jackson's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Man of Steel award in 2019 as the Super League's best player while at Salford.
- Led Salford Red Devils to the 2019 Super League Grand Final in a remarkable underdog story.
- Won the Super League Grand Final with the Wigan Warriors in 2023.
- Earned selection for the Great Britain Lions touring squad in 2019 after his stellar club form.
Did You Know?
His father, Kevin Hastings, was a legendary halfback for the Sydney Roosters, known as 'Horrie'.
He played junior rugby league for the Eastern Suburbs Roosters, the same club his father starred for.
He briefly played for the St George Illawarra Dragons in the NRL before moving to England.
He has a distinctive full-sleeve tattoo on his left arm.
“I had to go away to find myself and become the player I always knew I could be.”
