Salford Red Devils look to secure a new addition to their squad in the shape of goal-kicking centre Chris Hankinson. Rugby League Live understands the Super League club are in pole position to sign the former Wigan Warriors player following his release from Championship club Featherstone Rovers.
Featherstone confirmed on Wednesday morning that Hankinson has left to club to “pursue other opportunities”. That is expected to see him land at Salford Stadium, a move that will see him return to Super League.
The 30-year-old has made 47 Super League appearances during his career for Wigan and Toulouse Olympique, scoring eight tries. An excellent goal-kicker, he converted 63 goals in 77 attempts for the French club in 2022, a success rate of 81.81 per cent.
Following their relegation to the Championship, Hankinson returned to the UK with Featherstone. His season was disrupted after suffering a fracture in his spine but returned to the field and ended the campaign with seven tries in 18 games. He has also previously played in the Championship for Barrow Raiders, Swinton Lions and London Broncos.
His arrival will add much-needed depth at Salford following the departure of Ken Sio on compassionate grounds. That had further depleted Paul Rowley’s already thin squad, but Hankinson will provide further options in the back-line. Salford also still hold a quota spot to add another addition to the squad.
The signing is subject to RFL approval which will be required as a result of the club currently being in special measures. If it goes through, he will join a roster that already features the likes of Nene Macdonald, Tim Lafai and Deon Cross as well as Joe Burgess and Ethan Ryan.