Great Britain halfback Jackson Hastings admits he and halves partner Gareth Widdop need to be more aggressive in demanding the ball from hooker Josh Hodgson in the Test match against New Zealand.
Reigning Man of Steel Hastings capped off the best season of his rugby league career last week with an emotional international debut against a Tonga invitational team.
But while his milestone was spoiled by defeat, the Australian-born 23-year-old remains positive about rebounding against the Kiwis in Auckland on Saturday.
And Hastings believes the Lions have figured out how to get more out of their attack.
“When we broke it down on video and actually looked at where we were on the field, the positions we were getting to (and) the shape we had, it actually was pretty good to be fair,” he said.
“I know that sounds funny when you get beat, but we were in the right spots.
“Playing with a new nine, Hodgy’s a very good player. He’s very creative and sees opportunities.
“It’s up to me and Gaz to really demand that ball when we want it.”
Ex-Sydney Roosters and Manly half Hastings has resurrected his career since linking up with Salford in the English Super League in July last year.
“It was a massive honour and thrill the other night,” Hastings said of his international debut.
“Being named in the team is one thing, but getting through the week, doing the captain’s run, warming up facing the traditional war cry from the Tongan boys, and then singing the anthem, playing the game, it all culminated in a pretty special night for myself.”
Britain’s Test against the hosts will be the second of a triple-header at Eden Park that begins with a game between Samoa and Fiji and concludes with the Kangaroos taking on Tonga.
Hastings, who will join Wigan on a two-year deal starting next season but has a clause allowed him to leave for the NRL in 2021, is wary of the hurting Kiwis.
They responded to a heavy defeat to Australia last week by axing star half Shaun Johnson and recalling veteran Kieran Foran.
“I don’t know if they lose much. I think they’ll be a lot more direct with Kieran in the team, he’s a tough player,” Hastings said.
“He plays deep in the line, he’s hard to defend against too, and he’s played a lot of Test matches for New Zealand, played in grand finals.”
