I wasn't aware we had agreed a deal with him prior to his call up.

i suppose Salford are desperate to get rid this season and pick up a transfer fee, as its unlikely he will be there next year. if the player is hoping for an NRL deal next year knowing he can walk away from Salford end of year at at worst then sign for leeds or wigan next year. i would only give him an NHL release clause if he signs on a free transfer and have a minimum one year. If we pay a transfer no clause for 2 years at least. Cannot see wigan offering a fee and a get out out clause, they will be hoping for free transfer for next year even if they allow a get out clause. i reckon it's Hastings now with a fee or he will be at wigan or NRl next year.

If we do sign Lui as well then great, but i would still prefer we get Hastings for 2 years and rest of this at least, that gives mclelland and others two more years to make the grade.

The introduction of a 3rd marquee player ruling is currently being discussed among the SL clubs apparently.

What's the point? If you do that you may as well scrap the salary cap.

League express saying Leeds definitely want hastings still and havr tabled a bid. Hastings wants only a 2 year deal with nrl clause. Leeds want full commitment and a 3 year deal which i think is correct. Hastings still to make his mind up. If Leeds dont get him its not from lack of trying

This i 100% agree with the Club on you dont spend big money to sign a player with a get out clause.

3 year deal with an NRL release clause, but can only be triggered after 18 months would be a good compromise. Quality halves are in short supply in the game, it's unrealistic to expect a highly rated Australian half in his prime to commit for more than 2 years.

Just to put in perspective, Hastings isn't exactly seen as the reincarnation of Wally Lewis here. The general view is that he's quite skilled but a bit slow for a halfback, and rightly or wrongly he's also seen to have a terrible attitude (effectively tossed out of two clubs for it). I'm not saying he wouldn't get offers over here, but at least short-term SL is likely to offer him more.

I don't have a huge problem with an NRL clause per se, except to say it would have to have some severe limitations - i.e. can't be exercised mid-season, would require proper notice to the club etc. The question for Leeds is how big a fee justifies the end of this year plus maybe one year more?

Agreed. Hes not exactly Alfie Langer but hes done v well over here so far and looks to be what we require. The club needs to protect its self with any deal for hastings especially if we pay a fee. But i suspect he wont be going anywhere mid season. Im starting to doubt his commitment tbh so maybe we are better looking elsewhere if so, might be wrong though

As long as we’re compensated by the NRL club, I don’t see a big problem if that is his stated intent from the outset. Obviously the parties are talking so there is hope.

This would be the right thing to do. Players like Blake Austin, Gareth Widdop, Konrad Hurrell, Lachlan Coote, Albert Kelly, James Maloney (if we get him) add so much value to the Super League competition.

The salary cap still has a place as they still take up £150k of the cap. Personally I think clubs should be able to sign as many marquee players as they wish under the salary cap, but we should have a minimum salary for clubs top 25 players.

Quite.

I remember him playing in the WCC few years back for the Roosters - and he was hyped as much as Latrell was who was also playing.

One has obviously kicked on and Hastings hit the "cobbles".

Reminds me a bit of when everyone was fawning over Inu and Hayne - Hayne hit the dizzy heights, but Inu somehow didn't meet his massive potential.