Rhys Hanbury wants dominant half back role

Widnes scrum half Rhys Hanbury says he wants to prove himself in the number seven shirt for the Vikings.

Hanbury was disappointed with the amount of game time he was receiving at the Crusaders last season, and now wants to show Super League what he can do in a starting role.

He said: “The opportunity to play half was the main reason for joining Widnes.

“At the Crusaders Michael Witt was the dominant half back. But with me, and Anthony (Watts) playing five eighth, I want to take more charge and I’m looking forward to it.

“Having Lloyd (White), Frank (Winterstein) and Hep (Cahill) come in as well makes it a lot easier, and it’s quite close to where I used to live.

Hanbury says the day Crusaders withdrew their Super League licence application was disappointing, but is happier now he has found a new club in Widnes.

He said: “It was a bit of a shock (when Crusaders withdrew their licence) because I was about to finalise a mortgage that day, but luckily I didn’t.

“Going to having a four year contract to having nothing, and then trying to find a new club was a bit of a shock. But it’s worked out quite well for me I think.”