Hanbury excited by Exiles reward

James Gordon

Widnes full-back Rhys Hanbury has labelled his call-up to the Exiles squad as the biggest achievement of his career.

Hanbury, 27, has been in excellent form for the Vikings so far this season, helping them to four wins and a draw in Super League, having successfully switched from half-back to full-back.

He was named in Brian McClennan’s 27-man Exiles squad for the International Origin game against England at Warrington on June 14th.

The Australian told the club’s official website: “I’m really excited at the prospect of running out and playing alongside a team full of high quality overseas players. Most weeks we find ourselves up against each other as opponents but for this game we’ll be team-mates, and to be a part of that would be a great experience.

“It’s the biggest thing I’ve achieved in my career so far and it’s good to be thought of in that company. Hopefully I can push my way into the Exiles side for the game.

“I’ve never actually met Brian McClennan before but I’ve only heard good reports about him, and I’m looking forward to meeting up with him and the rest of the boys.

“I’m fortunate that I’ve been able to pick up this personal reward, off the back of lots of hard work that our team is putting in this season. We’re really progressing and my selection has been helped massively by the boys at Widnes.”

Hanbury has scored 22 tries, 34 goals and one drop goal in 35 appearances for Widnes, since joining the club on their return to Super League at the start of 2012.

He spent 2010 and 2011 with Crusaders, having moved to the UK from Wests Tigers, and also previously played in the NRL with South Sydney.

Exiles 27-man squad: Louis Anderson (Catalan Dragons, New Zealand), Chris Bailey (London Broncos, Australia), Michael Dobson (Hull Kingston Rovers, Australia), David Faiumu (Huddersfield Giants, Samoa), Blake Green (Wigan Warriors, Australia), Rhys Hanbury (Widnes Vikings, Australia), Brett Hodgson (Warrington Wolves, Australia, Captain), Lance Hohaia (St Helens, New Zealand), Antonio Kaufusi (London Broncos, Tonga), Kylie Leuluai (Leeds Rhinos, Samoa), Heath L’Estrange (Bradford Bulls, Australia), Willie Manu (St Helens, Tonga), Manesi Manuokafo (Bradford Bulls, Tonga), Daryl Millard (Catalan Dragons, Fiji), Joel Monaghan (Warrington Wolves, Australia), Michael Monaghan (Warrington Wolves, Australia), Joel Moon (Leeds Rhinos, Australia), Mark O’Meley (Hull FC, Australia), Micky Paea (Hull Kingston Rovers, Tonga), Cory Patterson (Hull Kingston Rovers, Australia), Justin Poore (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Australia), Tony Puletua (St Helens, Samoa), Pat Richards (Wigan Warriors, Ireland), Jarrod Sammut (Bradford Bulls, Australia), Iosia Soliola (St Helens, Samoa), Zeb Taia (Catalan Dragons, Cook Islands) and Trent Waterhouse (Warrington Wolves, Australia)