MALL OF FAME
He thought he’d be fixing cables in the Arndale Centre... instead Chris is set for debut in top-ofthe-table derby showdown
Wigan v St Helens, 7.45pm CHRIS HANKINSON should have been fitting electric cables at Manchester’s Arndale shopping centre today – instead he’s set for his Wigan debut against St Helens.
The 24-year-old has been playing Championship rugby for Swinton alongside his day job as an apprentice electrical engineer.
But Wigan’s injury crisis in the outside backs led them to step up their interest in Hankinson – and two days later he was penning an 18-month deal.
Now the former Warriors seasonhe ticket holder is hoping to provide a spark out wide as Super League’s top two go head to head. He told Mirror Sport: “I’ve been working for Swinton chairman Andy Mazey’s company renovating the Arndale and installing all the electrics there. I’m going to carry on with my apprenticeship in and around when I can – but they said I could have this week off to make sure I’m fully prepared for the game.
“We’d been in talks with Wigan for a while but it was only last week that it got a bit serious. “I knew they were struggling with injuries in the centres and there was the potential to come in and join them straight away. “It’s credit to Swinton they helped get the deal done so fast and it all happened really quickly this week.” Hankinson was originally in Salford’s academy but fell victim to the scrapping of the reserves league as turned 20, and turned to the part-time ranks, first with Leigh and then Barrow and Swinton.
He said: “It was always in the back of my mind if the opportunity came along again it’s something I wanted to take really seriously.
“The hard work starts now and I know I need to perform well if I want to stay there.
“It couldn’t be a bigger challenge for my first game than Saints – I used to watch these games as kid.
“I’ve tried not to think about what it will be like running out in front of that crowd because I want to keep grounded but I’m sure it’ll be a great atmosphere.”
Dad Gary, mum Paula and grandad Ken surprised Hankinson by arriving at Wigan’s training ground yesterday to present his first Wigan shirt and Chris added: “It’s going to be a special occasion.”