NRL Podcast: Hastings 'misunderstood', says Soward

Jackson Hastings is "misunderstood", according to NRL.com expert Jamie Soward who had his own struggles fitting in when he broke into first grade.

Hastings was this week banished to Manly's feeder team – the Blacktown Workers – and his chances of playing for the Sea Eagles again in 2018 are next to none.

"He probably sees himself as a starting first-grader where as everyone else sees him as a bench role player, squad filler," Soward told the NRL Podcast.

"That can create some tensions because when your character is misunderstood.

"You start to lose respect in the changerooms and you start to lose respect amongst the senior player group.

"I've been in these situations.

"I learnt early on that you work for everything that you get and then respect is paid to the guys that paved the way before you, then one day you'll grow into that.

"He probably needs some time away to work on himself before he comes back into the game in terms of first grade."

Using the NRL app? Listen to the podcast here

Soward also weighed into the great 'diving' debate after Sam Burgess accused Josh Morris of milking an injury when he was felled by Burgess' raised elbow.

The Rabbitohs forward believes Morris's acting was part of the reason why he was suspended for two matches.

The 2010 premiership-winner also told the NRL Podcast the club he thinks Israel Folau should go to – if the former Kangaroos and Maroons representative returns to the greatest game of all.