Jackson Hastings the 'next option' for Wigan Warriors' goal-kicking role

[josie andrews]

Jackson Hastings has offered to take over as Wigan’s goal-kicker.

Adrian Lam revealed the Australian halfback has been trying to persuade him to let him have the responsibility.

The Wigan coach is considering his options ahead of Saturday’s trip to Salford.

Zak Hardaker had been Wigan’s first-choice kicker but after missing a penalty during the Challenge Cup loss to Hull, Harry Smith took over.

Lam revealed it was Hardaker who suggested Smith keep the role for Monday’s game at Leigh but the halfback only converted half of the six tries.

And the Warriors boss said: “Jackson is the next option.

“He keeps tapping me on the shoulder, telling me he’s ready to go.

“Harry missed a few (against Leigh), so it is an area we’re aware of and we need to fix to make sure we take those opportunities.”

Hardaker has been Wigan’s principle kicker for the last three years though by his own admission, he is not an accomplished marksman and only got the role because he was “the best of a bad bunch”.

His record in Super League this year is 13 from 22 attempts for a strike rate of 59 per cent, according to the competition's stats. The league’s best kickers, such as Catalans’ James Maloney and Hull FC’s Marc Sneyd, have strike rates of 83 and 91 per cent respectively.

Surrendering the goal-kicking wasn’t the only change for Hardaker on Monday.

On the same day he was named Super League Player of the Month for an exceptional start to the campaign, he started on the left wing with Bevan French restored to full-back.

Lam says the decision was so they could easily swap roles later on when French was “gassed” without disrupting the rest of the line-up.

“The conversations were honest and clear and they handled it really well,” said Lam, who admitted he sees Hardaker as a centre.

Lam also rotated his props against Leigh, leaving out Joe Bullock to give Mitch Clark his first appearance of the year.

And after a strong first showing against Leigh, Clark may keep his spot against Salford – with Lam hinting another prop may make way and Bullock, understood to be joining Warrington next year, returning to the fold.

“I want the pressure among the forwards,” added Lam, who is expected to provide an injury update on Morgan Smithies at his pre-match press conference today, though it’s thought his leg problem isn’t serious.

https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... le-3243568

[nathan_rugby]

We just need some consistency.

Changing to Smith and within 1 game potentially changing to Hastings is not ideal. Give Smith some more time to settle and get his composure.

Similar to all of the positional changes. I cannot remember a single club every rotating things as much as we do. Whilst it is a benefit when you have injuries, it shouldn't be used when you do not as it just disrupts things too much.

We did it last year in games by moving Powell to lose, Hastings to hooker etc. It doesn't add enough value to me. Its too much swapping and changing in a team that doesn't have very good game management, composure and consistency.

[cherry toffee]

Maybe it's just Lams way of saying Leuluia is nearly fit again and Smith will be back on the bench

[NICKYKISS]

Smith surely keeps it until Leuluai is back. He didn’t have his best night but he ‘just’ missed a couple of tough ones and we can put that down to him just settling down and getting the rust off. It would seem crazy to me that Hardaker has had a couple of years worth of trying to improve (whilst actually seeming to get worse) before getting it taken off him and then Smith gets a game.

Once Leuluai gets his spot back (and he will get the spot back) then maybe Hastings takes it on.

[Fujiman]

Smith surely keeps it until Leuluai is back. He didn’t have his best night but he ‘just’ missed a couple of tough ones and we can put that down to him just settling down and getting the rust off. It would seem crazy to me that Hardaker has had a couple of years worth of trying to improve (whilst actually seeming to get worse) before getting it taken off him and then Smith gets a game.

Once Leuluai gets his spot back (and he will get the spot back) then maybe Hastings takes it on.

Even more reason then to give it Hastings now don't you think?

[nathan_rugby]

Smith surely keeps it until Leuluai is back. He didn’t have his best night but he ‘just’ missed a couple of tough ones and we can put that down to him just settling down and getting the rust off. It would seem crazy to me that Hardaker has had a couple of years worth of trying to improve (whilst actually seeming to get worse) before getting it taken off him and then Smith gets a game.

Once Leuluai gets his spot back (and he will get the spot back) then maybe Hastings takes it on.

Even more reason then to give it Hastings now don't you think?

Why didn't Lam let Hastings take over at Leigh then?

[fozzieskem]

Smith surely keeps it until Leuluai is back. He didn’t have his best night but he ‘just’ missed a couple of tough ones and we can put that down to him just settling down and getting the rust off. It would seem crazy to me that Hardaker has had a couple of years worth of trying to improve (whilst actually seeming to get worse) before getting it taken off him and then Smith gets a game.

Once Leuluai gets his spot back (and he will get the spot back) then maybe Hastings takes it on.

Even more reason then to give it Hastings now don't you think?

Why didn't Lam let Hastings take over at Leigh then?

Who knows? Honestly it’s hard work trying to get where Lam comes from with some of his selections and tactics

[First Try Tickle]

I Think it might be the kicking tee.

We need someone who firstly uses his heel, then screws the ball into the floor like Gilly.

[josie andrews]

I Think it might be the kicking tee.

We need someone who firstly uses his heel, then screws the ball into the floor like Gilly.

That’s what my Stephen said v Leigh