Chris Hankinson departs Wigan Warriors on loan

The 27-year-old has agreed a year-long loan move.

He played just three matches for Wigan last season and is behind Zak Hardaker and Oliver Gildart in the pecking order, while Wigan also have Jake Bibby and youngster Sam Halsall in their squad.

Warriors executive director Kris Radlinski said: “Chris was an unsung hero in 2020. He was the 19th man in near enough every game in the season.

“At the end of the season, Chris came to me and said that at his age he needed to be playing regularly. With no reserve grade and the cancellation of dual registration, we needed to explore other opportunities for Chris.

“A chance to be a starting player for London has arisen and we all feel that it is the right thing for Chris at this time.

“He will have a year in the capital and then return to Wigan in 2022. He will be a great addition to Danny Ward’s London Broncos team.”

The loan is for the full season but often, parent clubs can recall players if they choose after an initial period of a month.

The move is a boost for London's promotion chances. Since signing for Wigan from Swinton in 2018, Hankinson has proved himself at Super League level and is an excellent goal-kicker.

Wigantoday revealed last month London were chasing both Hankinson and Romain Navarette, see here He follows Joe Burgess, Jack Wells (both Salford), Sean O’Loughlin (retirement), Joe Greenwood (Huddersfield) and Ben Flower (Leigh) in departing from last season’s squad.

Craig Mullen, who was under contract with Wigan but on loan at Leigh, also saw his deal run out - and subsequently signed for the Centurions - while youngster Harry Rushton left to join Canberra and fringe halfbacks Jake Shorrocks and Josh Woods signed for Newcastle Thunder.