Former Wests Tigers NRL player Rhys Hanbury has become the latest Crusader to secure his future in Super League after signing a two-year deal with English side Widnes.

The 26-year-old, in his second season with the Wrexham club following his move from Australia, was made a free agent when they opted to withdraw from Super League.

Eleven members of the current Crusaders squad, who play their final game at Wigan on Friday, have found other Super League clubs, with Hanbury following three of his teammates - Frank Winterstein, Lloyd White and Hep Cahill - to the Stobart Stadium in 2012.

"Things are definitely on the up at Widnes and I had no hesitation whatsoever in signing for the club," he said.

"I was impressed with its vision and its plans for the future, plus having Frank Winterstein, Lloyd White and Hep Cahill on board is a huge bonus too and made my decision all the easier."

The signing of Hanbury, which is subject to receiving a visa, takes the number of Widnes recruits for their return to the top flight to 11.

Coach Denis Betts said: "Rhys is a high quality halfback and, despite the fact he's only been over here for two years, he knows the English competition really well and knows how to control his team around a pitch, which will be invaluable for us.

"The game over here can be hard to adapt to for overseas players so, for us to have somebody in place who already fits that role and is comfy in their surroundings, is great news."

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