Jackson Hastings has been called out for deciding to leave Newcastle training after learning of his shock axing from the Knights' side. The halfback has paid the price for Newcastle's underwhelming 0-2 start to the NRL season, with coach Adam O'Brien deciding to replace Hastings with Panthers recruit Jack Cogger for the round three clash with Melbourne at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday evening. Hastings learnt of his fate at training on Tuesday, before leaving early after reportedly being given the choice to train with the reserve grade side. The fact the 28-year-old chose not to stay and train has divided the league world, with the panel on NRL 360 discussing the situation on Tuesday night. Veteran News Corp league reporter Dean Ritchie said he was stunned by Hastings' axing at the Knights and thought halves partner Tyson Gamble would have been the man to make way after a disappointing display in Newcastle's golden point defeat to the Cowboys. Ritchie pointed to Hastings' influence in Newcastle's 10-game winning streak and subsequent run to the finals last year and said he couldn't understand the decision to axe him after just two games.
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