Newcastle Knights star Jackson Hastings is pushing for the NRL to adopt the UK Super League style of jerseys, allowing players to have their name and a custom number on the back.
The current system of numbers on jerseys has been around since the competition's inception in 1908 and has only been altered for State of Origin series.
Tweeted about this a few months ago. @SuperLeague have it correct with the numbers and names on the back of the jersey, NRL needs to adopt it in my opinion. (A lot of people hate it) but it’s the way forward for me. https://t.co/2KSYpf3wuH
— Jackson Hastings (@JackoHastings) November 20, 2023
Hastings’ public push for an updated jersey name and number system has caused plenty of backlash, with fans claiming it would mess with the century-long tradition.
The proposal by Hastings would see players lock in a jersey number prior to the season starting and keeping it for the remainder of the year despite any positional changes.
The Knights’ playmaker opened up on his push for change and hit back at the critics who don’t want the game’s tradition to be scrapped.
“I got hammered on a tweet about it, all the traditionalists came after me,” Hastings SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“I’m all for tradition as well, there’s nothing better than following a tradition or someone that played in the seven jersey.
“But the way that the world is going and the Americanisation of sport, the way pretty much every sport in the world besides us do it.
“Playing in the Super League, I took immense pride in the number I wore and certainly having my last name on the back of my jersey.”
Despite the push from many players, the main logistical argument against the change is the size and position of sponsors on the back of each club’s respective jerseys.
“Every time you represent your club, but you walk into a dressing room, and you see your last name on the back of your jersey (it) fills you with a sense of pride,” Hastings added.
“It reminds you of who you’re doing it for, you’re obviously doing it for your club, sponsors, fans and members but you’re also doing it for yourself and your family, that’s why you started playing the game.
“I think there’s definitely a spot for it, people were into me about the sponsorship and where that’s going to go and how much it’s going to cost to change numbers.
“I think he game makes enough money to make small adjustments like that, I’m happy to be proven wrong but I think that’s the way forward and I think most players would be supportive of it.”
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo previously said in 2021 that the game’s organisers would be open to the change of jersey designs.