Former Leigh Centurions halfback headed to Championship club in 2023

Swinton Lions are headed to the Betfred Championship in 2023 after beating Doncaster in the League 1 play-off final.

However, since then, they’ve had to accept a touch of change confirming the retirement of Jack Spencer earlier this week and now a significant departure.

The Lions today officially confirmed that talented half-back Jack Hansen, will be moving on to pastures new elsewhere in the Championship ahead of the 2023 season.

The former Leigh East player joined the Lions from hometown club Leigh Centurions in 2017, and his promise was immediately obvious. Over the past five years Jack has established himself as one of the standout number 7s outside of Super League, and has given Swinton fantastic service.

Jack’s final act as a Swinton player was his never-to-be-forgotten last minute try in the promotion play-off final against Doncaster, an occasion which will remain forever in Lions’ folklore. That effort was Jack’s 35th try for Swinton, in his 113th appearance.

Lions’ head coach Allan Coleman said, “Coaching Jack has been an absolute pleasure. He was a player that we never wanted to lose, but at the same time we accept and understand why he wishes to move on. The coaching staff here call him ‘the spongy’, as he absorbs everything he learns, and we will certainly miss him. I have no doubt he will kick on even further and become a player that the Championship stand up to and respect. From everyone at Swinton Lions, we thank you Jack, and no doubt we will see you soon.”

It’s unknown where Hansen is headed in 2023 but with the likes of Batley in need of a halfback, many top Championship sides will be in the running for his signature.