Rugby League
Hankinson wants regular Wigan chance
Centre Chris Hankinson is hoping to get more opportunities to impress in the Wigan Warriors first team this season.
The 25-year-old moved to the DW Stadium from Swinton Lions ahead of the 2018 campaign, but he struggled for minutes during his first season with the club.
However, the signs are that Hankinson could feature more regularly this term as he played the full 80 minutes and scored a try in Wigan’s final pre-season match against his former club Barrow Raiders on Saturday.
Hankinson hopes that performance stands him in good stead as he wants to be included in coach Adrian Lam's squad for Wigan’s Super League opener against St Helens at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Thursday.
"I’m looking forward to putting it into games and hopefully I will get a shot in the First Team," Hankinson told the Wigan website. "I’m willing to grab the opportunity with two hands when it comes."
Wigan were crowned Super League champions last season after they beat Warrington Wolves 12-4 in the Grand Final and Hankinson says the mood within the camp is good as they bid to defend their title this term.
He added: "All of us have been putting the systems into practice that Lammy (Lam) has put in. It’s exciting times and the boys are training really well; the intensity has gone up and we’re ready for the test now."
Tom McGarry completed his sports journalist degree in 2011,and has since has become an integral part of the editorial and audio team. He is passionate about all things sport, particularly football, and is a lifelong supporter of his hometown club Carlisle United.