New Leeds Rhinos signing Chris Hankinson has been given a vote of confidence after a difficult debut.
Hankinson joined Rhinos from crisis club Salford Red Devils on Monday and featured in Leeds’ 22-14 win at Leigh Leopards just three days later.
It was a tough introduction for the winger, opposite Leigh’s dangerous duo of two-try Keanan Brand and Umyla Hanley who scored the hosts’ other touchdown.
In a shaky start he was tackled into touch, leading to the hosts’ second score and knocked on at a play-the-ball later in the game, but Leeds coach Brad Arthur reckons the 31-year-old will prove an asset for the Rhinos with more time alongside his new teammates at training and in matches.
“He carried the ball nice and strong,” Arthur said of the outside-back who has signed on until the end of this season.
“He had a couple of errors, but it is hard – he came in and had one training session and the captain’s run.
“We threw him out there. It’ll just take a bit of time with some combinations, but he is going to be handy for us.”
Leeds Rhinos full-back hailed after Man of the Match showing
Rhinos full-back Lachie Miller was Sky Sports’ choice as man of the match after scoring Leeds’ opening try, setting up their winner and being involved in a three-player tackle to hold up Tesi Niu over Rhinos’ line.
“He is going good,” Arthur said of Miller, who previously played rugby union sevens for Australia and joined Rhinos ahead of last season.
“Lachie has got a lot of talent and ability that’s natural and we – and previous coaches – haven’t coached into him.
“Physically he is really good and we’ve just been working with him on controlling his emotions.
“He is so caring, he wants to win and he is so hungry to help his teammates; sometimes emotions take control of his thoughts and he gets a little bit loose at times with that, but he is working so hard on it. He is a really good player.”
“Leigh are a very good side, I’m glad we got the win” 💪
Lachie Miller is tonight’s Player of the Match 🙌 pic.twitter.com/MZsoIPaOtH
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) August 7, 2025
