Chris Hankinson is preparing for a season of versatility in 2026, with the Leeds Rhinos man ready to whenever and wherever he is needed.
The former Salford Red Devils man joined the club half-way through the campaign, and was often found on the wing, though he did feature at full-back in the club’s away defeat to Wigan Warriors.
Whilst the backs are his favoured place on the field, next year will see him become more versatile, with the Rhinos’ Boxing Day squad and their 2026 squad numbers highlighting that.
Hankinson will start in the halves later this week, as Leeds get their new campaign underway to Wakefield Trinity. It is a role the ex-Wiganer has only played five times in his career, but with Brad Arthur’s side having no established back-up, it looks like he will fill that hole should it open up.
The 32-year-old was also awarded the number 14 shirt, following Jarrod O’Connor’s switch to number nine. Obviously, squad numbers don’t mean too much, but it does suggest Hankinson will be a more prominent face in the side than first thought.
Speaking on the Leeds Rhinos YouTube Channel whilst on a pre-season camp in Tenerife, he explained his role for next year, and how he wants to be in the side as much as possible, regardless of his position.
He said “I’d like to try and be vying to be in that 17 every week of the season. I’m in a bit of a unique role compared to other players. I’ve adapted across my career into a position where I kind of play every position.
“As of last year, I’ve played every position in Super League. I’m probably more looked at as an outside back, anywhere across that back five, but you can obviously throw six and seven in as and when I’m needed.
“…It’s like Pokemon, I’ve managed to collect them all, but I’d like to try and stay in my domain a little bit more.”
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Leeds Rhinos utility eager for opening round Super League clash
Leeds will travel to Leigh Leopards in the first game of the regular season, in what is one of the biggest games that weekend.
Hankinson, who is a former Leigh man and was part of their Championship Grand Final winning squad in 2014. He can’t wait to be back at the Leigh Sports Village, and knows there will be fireworks, both before and during the encounter.
He said: “You look across the fixtures, and you look at round one, our fixture against Leigh is probably the one that most people will be attracted to. It will be a tough game and hopefully we can get off to a winning start and build some momentum going into that Vegas clash.
“Knowing Derek, there will be everything going off at that clash. We know he likes to put on a show. It’s great for the game, and it’s great for fans and I’m really looking forward to it.”
