Leeds Rhinos news: one ex-Salford Red Devils man signs new contract as another joins St Helens

Outside-back Chris Hankinson’s new deal will keep him at Leeds until the end of 2026. His former Salford teammate Joe Shorrocks, who followed him to Leeds, has signed with Saints for next year. Hankinson, 31, joined Rhinos from Salford Red Devils in August on a short-term contract and scored two tries and a goal in eight appearances.

He has mainly played as a winger for Leeds but can also feature at full-back and centre. He previously had spells in Betfred Super League with Wigan Warriors and Toulouse Olympique as well as for Leigh, Barrow Raiders, Swinton Lions, London Broncos and Featherstone Rovers in the lower divisions.

The Wigan-born back said: “I’m really happy to be staying with the Rhinos for another year. I’ve loved my time here so far; the club, the fans and the atmosphere at AMT Headingley are all special.

“I spoke 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 [sporting director Ian Blease and coach Brad Arthur] 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.”

Explaining the new deal, Blease said: “We’re really pleased to have Chris staying with us for another season. 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 [when] Maika Sivo, Ethan Clark-Wood and Alfie Edgell [were] sidelined through injury. I am looking forward to seeing him develop in our systems with a full off season under Brad. He provides cover and competition across our backline for next season.”

Arthur 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.”

Shorrocks followed Hankinson to Leeds in August on loan until the end of the season. The hooker picked up a two-match ban following his debut and featured only twice for Rhinos, both as a substitute. The move to Saints reunites him with his former Red Devils coach Paul Rowley.