Umyla Hanley, who was working as a builder two years ago, is now hoping to play for England at a World Cup. The Leigh Leopards centre’s rise to the top has been slow and steady, epitomising the tortoise’s approach to life, in contrast to the hare-like trajectory of his opposite number at Headingley, Ash Handley.
Hanley made his Super League debut for Wigan six years ago but, after appearing to break through in the 2021 season, was loaned to Newcastle and seemed destined to live in the shadow of his father, the hall of famer Ellery Hanley. Two years ago, he was working on a building site when his old Wigan boss, Adrian Lam, called and offered him another chance at Leigh. Hanley had bought work boots and a hi-vis vest for the job but jumped at the opportunity.
A turning point at centre
Initially not an automatic choice, Hanley’s fortunes changed when Lam switched him from wing to centre. He has not moved back since. Leigh’s win-loss record with Hanley at centre is 34-14 in Super League. He missed the first nine games of this season with a shoulder injury, and Leigh lost five of them. At 24, he is becoming a talisman.
In the surprise win at Leeds earlier this month, Hanley delivered a complete centre’s performance. Despite being one of the smallest players on the field, he scored a try, created another and made several extraordinary defensive efforts. In the dying moments, he forced Ryan Hall’s toe into touch when Hall had seemingly brought Leeds level.
Coach’s praise and England call-up
“He’s the ultimate competitor,” says Lam. “Umyla is immense. He’s the ultimate professional. What he is doing now he has earned through hard work. He’s number one. Of all the players I’ve coached in my life, he’s as good as anyone.” Lam has coached John Bateman, Liam Farrell, Morgan Smithies and French, and worked as Australia’s assistant coach.
New England coach Brian McDermott added Hanley to his training squad for the World Cup on Friday. The Sydney Roosters centre Hugo Savala has also been added to the 40-man group, meaning there are seven centres – plus five others who have played in the position at the highest level – and the coach is likely to select only four of them in his final 23-man squad.
World Cup ambitions
Despite the competition, Lam is convinced Hanley should be wearing white in Australia in October, where his father wooed home crowds at Balmain Tigers and Western Suburbs. Umyla is unlikely to match Ellery’s achievements – more than 500 games in a 16-year career, including 36 Tests for Great Britain – but he has followed in his father’s footsteps in being versatile, ticking off four of the six positions Ellery played.
Hanley is averaging a try every two games this year in Super League. With the poor form of England full-backs Jack Welsby and AJ Brimson in the Ashes, McDermott must be tempted to move Herbie Farnworth to full-back, which would free up a centre berth. Hanley will be waiting with fingers crossed, hoping that McDermott calls.
Broncos’ trophy win
London Broncos’ comfortable 58-12 win over Halifax on Sunday secured the club’s first trophy since they lifted the second division title in 1983. That victory at Stamford Bridge 43 years ago – when they were called Fulham RLFC – guaranteed the club a spot in the top flight, something the Championship Leaders’ Shield does not. Unless Super League expands to 15 clubs, they may be denied promotion even if they win the Championship title in October, if their IMG grading points are not in the top 14.
The coach, Jason Demetriou, says most players will stick around even if they have to wait for a chance to play in the top flight. “It’s not one shy at the stumps and we’re done,” he says. “We’re in it for the long haul.”
