Hastings attracts Tigers' interest but not at Brooks' expense

The Wests Tigers have confirmed an interest in luring Wigan star Jackson Hastings back to Australian shores but not at the expense of under-fire halfback Luke Brooks.

Hastings posted a cryptic tweet to his followers on Friday morning that said "don't believe everything you read" after reports emerged on Thursday night the former Roosters and Sea Eagles playmaker could potentially link with the joint venture club.

However, NRL.com understands the club's interest in Hastings has been floated for months following the departures of Benji Marshall and Josh Reynolds last year.

They are all but resigned to losing utility Billy Walters, who is off contract at the end of the year and is keen to join his father, Broncos coach Kevin Walters, in Brisbane.

That possibility could leave the Tigers short if the club negotiates a release with the Broncos before the new mid-season cut-off date of August 2 this year.

Walters is closing in on a return from an ACL reconstruction with the Tigers next month with Hastings viewed as a possible replacement in the long term.

Hastings has made it clear in recent months he has a desire to return to Australia and finish his career in the Telstra Premiership after rocky stints at the Roosters and Sea Eagles.

Hastings moved to the Super League with Salford midway through the 2018 NRL season after falling out with then Sea Eagles coach Trent Barrett and captain Daly Cherry-Evans.

He was voted Super League's best player in 2019, claiming the Man of Steel award in his first full season in the northern hemisphere.

The Illawarra junior moved to Wigan in 2020 where he was part of the side's 8-4 loss to St Helens in the Super League grand final.

Maguire has made no secret he's desperate to shake up his squad in a bid to turn performances around with fan-favourite Marshall's exit last season a clear example of that policy.

Brooks's name has been brought into the discussions after a poor performance against the Roosters but it's understood the club made it clear to him this week he's not in the firing line.

Brooks isn't off contract until the end of 2023 after signing a four-year extension under Maguire.

However, that hasn't stopped Maguire from dropping Brooks in the past with the 2019 Dally M halfback of the year benched for the first time in his career last season.

Maguire made another statement following last week's loss to the Roosters with Joey Leilua dropped and facing an uncertain short-term future in the side after a poor showing. 

He could be on the lookout for a new club in 2022 with the club holding the option for his contract next year.