- Hastings was not named in any grade on the weekend
- Now it can be revealed he missed footy for the birth of his first child
- Couple announced the arrival on Instagram to a host of well wishes
NRL playmaker Jackson Hastings and his partner Amelia Smith have welcomed their first child, announcing the arrival of their daughter with a heartfelt post on Instagram.
The couple revealed their little girl’s unique name – Scottie Hastings – alongside a series of tender photos and messages shared with fans on Sunday.
‘Scottie Hastings. 13.04.25. The most perfect little girl. Nothing is more important than this little girl, our whole world,’ Amelia wrote.
Jackson also shared his excitement, posting: ‘Proud of you, you were unbelievable. And our little girl is the most perfect little thing in the whole world. Still pinching myself.’
The news quickly sparked an outpouring of love from across the sporting world.
Matildas star Caitlin Foord was among the first to respond, commenting: ‘congratulations you two.’
New dad Jackson Hastings beams while holding Scottie, calling her ‘the most perfect little thing in the world.’
The couple revealed the arrival of their daughter with a series of adorable images on social media platform Instagram
Emotional new mother Amelia posted: ‘The most perfect little girl. Nothing is more important than this little girl, our whole world’
Former Newcastle NRLW player Millie Elliott also posted: ‘Congrats guys! Scottie is beautiful.’
Kayla Fenech, daughter of Australian boxing legend Jeff Fenech and partner of Knights player Bradman Best, added: ‘Welcome to the world congratulations guys! She’s beautiful.’
A host of NRL and sporting stars liked the post, including Latrell Mitchell, Ezra Mam, and Matildas captain Sam Kerr.
The Newcastle Knights also shared the announcement on their social media channels. ‘Massive congratulations to Amelia and Jackson on welcoming a beautiful baby girl into the world,’ the club posted.
Earlier this year, Amelia thanked friends and family for their support during her baby shower.
‘Celebrating baby Hastings. How lucky I am that even though I am half the world away from my family & friends, I have so many amazing people in my life here. Baby girl is going to be so loved,’ she wrote.
Hastings’ absence from the field over the weekend was explained by the birth of his daughter, as he did not play in any grade for the Knights.
The club has been struggling without several key playmakers and has now lost three consecutive matches.
Jackson Hastings cradles newborn daughter Scottie, soaking in a quiet moment just days after her arrival
Baby Scottie’s arrival draws warm wishes from NRL and Matildas stars, including Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord
They’ve managed just 46 points in five games – their lowest scoring start to a season in club history. In Sunday’s 20-4 loss to the Wests Tigers, the Knights didn’t score a try until the 79th minute.
They’ve accumulated just 10 points across their last three games, raising concerns about attacking form.
Playmaker Tyson Gamble is expected to return from back surgery this weekend against Cronulla. Jack Cogger, who missed a week with a finger injury, is also in contention for selection.
Coach Adam O’Brien confirmed the arrival of Hastings’ daughter impacted his availability last week.
‘I’m not saying he would have played … Everyone who is contracted to us is considered,’ O’Brien said.
He also confirmed there were no plans to shift young five-eighth Fletcher Sharpe back to the wing.
‘He’ll stay at the six,’ O’Brien said.
