Hankinson signs with Rhinos for 2026

Leeds Rhinos are delighted to announce that 31-year-old back Chris Hankinson has signed a one-year contract extension, keeping him at AMT Headingley through the 2026 Betfred Super League season.

Since joining the Rhinos in August from Salford Red Devils, Hankinson established himself in Brad Arthur’s squad at the end of the season, making eight appearances and scoring two tries and a goal. A reliable and versatile presence in the backline, earning praise for his professionalism and work rate, he has played in Super League at wing, centre and full back and has even played in the forwards during his career as well. An accurate goal kicker he has amassed 512 points in 88 Super League appearances for Wigan, Toulouse, Salford and Leeds. 

Sporting Director Ian Blease expressed his satisfaction at securing Hankinson’s services for another year, highlighting his importance to the team’s culture and development. “We’re really pleased to have Chris staying with us for another season,” said Blease. “He’s a player who brings experience, composure and a great attitude every day. Since arriving at Leeds, Chris has shown a real commitment to our goals and to the standards we’re building within the squad. He had a really disrupted season last year with the well publicised problems at Salford. He joined us in August and strengthened our squad with Maika Sivo, Ethan Clark-Wood and Alfie Edgell sidelined through injury. I am looking forward to see him develop in our systems with a full off season under Brad. He provides cover and competition across our backline for next season.”

Head Coach Brad Arthur also welcomed the news, he added, “Chris fitted in really well with our group in the closing months of last season. It can be tough to go into a new system with just a couple of weeks to go in the season but Chris showed a great attitude to get up to speed. The fact he is a senior, experienced player who is a reliable goal kicker makes him a valuable addition to our squad for next season.”

Hankinson, 31, said he was thrilled to be extending his stay in Leeds and spoke of his excitement for what lies ahead. “I’m really happy to be staying with the Rhinos for another year,” said Hankinson. “I’ve loved my time here so far — the club, the fans, and the atmosphere at AMT Headingley are all special. I spoke last year after my debut about how much it meant to me to play here as a Rhinos player and I thought I might only get to do that a couple of times so I am made up to be staying for 2026. I would like to thank Ian and Brad for showing that faith in me. We have got a great set of lads and I think that competition for places will only drive on our standards for next year.”

Leeds Rhinos have confirmed that full back Lachie Miller and centre Ash Handley have agreed new contract extension and the Rhinos will also have Fiji international Maika Sivo back available next season after he missed the entire 2025 campaign following a knee reconstruction. Earlier this week, the Rhinos confirmed the signings of overseas forwards Jeremiah Mata’utia and Ethan O’Neill.