Newcastle playmaker Jackson Hastings is the latest halfback to pay the price for his club’s 0-2 start to the season with no.7 axed to NSW Cup.
Hastings, who was a key member of the Knights 10-match winning streak into the finals last year, will be replaced byJack Cogger.
Hastings was informed of the decision on Tuesday morning and did not train with the NRL side.
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Fox Sports has been told Coach Adam O’Brien gave Hastings the option of sitting out the session and the playmaker accepted the offer. It’s a harsh call, given the success Newcastle had last year, when they enjoyed a ten-game winning streak in the run to September.
The Knights were soundly beaten by the Raiders in round one before almost landing a major upset against North Queensland in Townsville last weekend until the Cowboys prevailed by a point.
Cogger was signed by Newcastle late last year before playing a key role in the Panthers epic grand final comeback against the Broncos.
Cogger had been primarily playing dummy-half off the interchange bench for the Knights in the opening two rounds but withJayden Brailey set to return from injury coach Adam O’Brien has opted to make changes.
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The Knights will host the unbeaten Melbourne Storm in Newcastle on Sunday evening where the new-look halves combination of Cogger andTyson Gamble will be on display.
Brailey is expected to be named on the interchange bench with Cogger in the no.7 jumper.
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