Chris Hankinson thinks he is playing the ‘best rugby’ of his career at this moment in time.
Signing a two-year deal, the 30-year-old has already joined his new teammates for pre-season training, becoming our seventh addition of the off-season.
Hankinson is now a natural centre after his transition from the back-row, making 18 appearances for Featherstone Rovers during 2023, scoring eight tries.
“I like to be known as a bit off-the-cuff,” Hankinson told our YouTube channel during his first interview.
“I take pride in my defence. I think over the last few years, I have really matured as a player and now I’m playing my best rugby, so I like to be putting points in, assisting where I can – but more or less just helping the team.”
After spending time in our youth set-up in the early 2010’s, Hankinson has gone-on to enjoy a long career in professional rugby league, including a spell at his hometown club, Wigan Warriors.
He says it was a time that matured him as player.
“That’s it for me. Moving to a club like Wigan when I did was huge for me, for developing into the player I am now,” he continued.
“It really raised the standards of what I uphold with training, with everything in life now.
“I know I’ve really matured into the person I want to be, but I know there’s still a lot I can give and a lot Rowls can get out of me as well.”
Ever since Paul Rowley became Head Coach, supporters have enjoyed an expansive, excited brand of rugby.
It’s a style of play Hankinson is very excited to be a part of, but also one he has kept a keen eye on at other clubs in recent years.
“To be fair, even at previous clubs, I’ve said: ‘I wish we’d do this’ – seeing how Salford do it,” the centre said.
“They way they play, they can be dangerous from anywhere on the park and I know that’s a big part of Rowls’ DNA, and it was the same a Leigh a number of years ago – it’s always been attractive to me.”
To see our full chat with Chris, click HERE to head to our YouTube channel.
