NRL 2023: Jackson Hastings argument with Tommy Talau and David Klemmer, video, reaction, high shot, Wests Tigers vs Newcastle Knights
Klemmer #Klemmer
There was drama after fulltime at Leichhardt Oval as Jackson Hastings was involved in a fiery post-game exchange with former teammate Tommy Talau and new Tigers recruit David Klemmer.
Hastings, facing his old club for the first time since making the move to Newcastle, celebrated a triumphant return as the brave Knights held on for a dramatic 14-12 win on Sunday.
But there was drama earlier in the contest when Hastings collected Talau across the head in the build-up to Asu Kepaoa’s try for the home side.
Hastings was captured approaching Talau, who failed his H.I.A test, after the game to apologise.
But the Tigers centre seemingly wanted none of him and was backed up by Klemmer.
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“You can see Tommy Talau goes up to Jackson Hastings after the interview he just had with us, pushes him in the chest,” Braith Anasta said in Fox League’s coverage of Sunday’s action.
“Klemmer comes up afterwards. The Tigers not too happy with Jackson at all. Not sure if that was warranted or called for. Klemmer giving him an absolute serve. Tensions are high.”
“You don’t see that often, shirt-fronting someone after the game” added Greg Alexander.
Hastings addressed the Talau high shot before the exchange with his former teammate while speaking to Fox League in the immediate aftermath of Sunday’s game.
“I honestly didn’t think I got him but he’s bleeding so obviously I did, I’m really sorry to Tommy and I’ll say sorry to him after this, it was a pure accident, there was no malice in it,” Hastings said.
“He came at me and was well within his rights after getting hit like that. So full apologies to Tommy, it was an accident and I’m just glad to get the win and try to stop a try.”
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Hastings also threw his support behind under-pressure coach Adam O’Brien, declaring he “instils confidence and belief” in the playing group that helped them overcome adversity in Sunday’s game.
“We hear the noise, especially about our coach but he does a good job, he’s instilled a tough group here and that is a tough win, this is a hard place to come play,” said Hastings.
“Full credit to these boys, the Tigers, I’m friends with a lot of them and they’ve been through a lot of hard stuff and we’re just lucky to get the win, I’m proud of them and the boys in that side but I’m really proud of our team and what we’ve done today.
“That’s why I love being coached by Michael Maguire, tough, steel mindset, the games turned into an attacking game but [with] coaches like Adsy [Adam O’Brien], Madge — tough, steely mindset is what wins games.
“The best teams in the comp that win every year are the best defensively. We’re nowhere near there yet but we’re getting there.”
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Hastings added that he has already “learned a hell of a lot” about himself since making the move to Newcastle while also addressing comments made by Tim Sheens on Saturday.
The now Tigers coach claimed Hastings’ exit from the club was a result of not wanting to play in the lock position, where Sheens claimed he had recruited the 27-year-old to play.
“He can talk, that’s not up to me to talk, I know the truth behind what happened,” Hastings said.
“He knows the truth behind what happened and it is what it is, it’s not up to me to talk in the media.
“My job is to come out here and play football, I’ve said all along that I’ve got nothing but respect for the Tigers, their fans, the players, they gave me a chance. They brought me back from England and gave me a chance in the NRL.
“I’m not here to bad mouth no one, I never will, if they want to talk they can talk. I’m just here to play football and do my best, we were lucky to get the win tonight and we roll on to next week.”