Bring realistic neither were stars and if they were they wouldn’t be playing in SL it’s not that difficult a concept to grasp is it.
French was considered too small and lacking impact despite the highlight reel he has managed to put together in 16 (or so games). The NRL uses wingers as meter makers and he couldn’t get a spot at 1.
Hastings was a mercurial talent as a youth with quality in his blood line. He also carried the reputation of being a trouble causer.
Both players were thrown a lifeline to come to the UK and play in SL.
If their stock was valued in the NRL they would never have come to SL.
Both will leave us with an opportunity to restart their NRL careers. Will both manage it? I have my doubts.
Interesting to read from some of the legends of the game that Hastings is being hailed as a potential saviour of West’s but they regard him as a big risk with a lot to prove. I think the lack of depth at 6 and 7 guarantees him a reasonable crack at it.
French I think may struggle. Most of the NRL teams like monsters and meter makers in the back 3 and whilst I am sure he will get an opportunity I’m not sure his style compliments the NRL.
I’ve said it a few times I genuinely believe some less than top notch SL players would have a half decent career in the NRL because their game is suited to it much in the same way some bang average NRL players are probably more suited to SL.
You only need to look at Luke Burgess as an example of a fairly average SL prop who made a much bigger impact than most would think in the NRL.
I always said Williams had a style that suited the NRL over SL.
If Manfredi could have stayed fit he’d have made a good go of it.
Watkins goes over and is at best average.
One I thought would have done better in the NRL was Sarg.
Back to the original point though. If either French or Hastings had stock in the NRL they would never have left and both owe SL a debt of thanks for reigniting their careers.