[4][5] He previously played for the Gold Coast Titans and the Wests Tigers in the National Rugby League, and Hull F.C.

He spent time at Doncaster in the Championship on dual registration from Hull, as well as two separate loans from Huddersfield at the Castleford Tigers in the Super League.

Rankin started the 2008 season playing S. G. Ball for the Titans before he was promoted to the club's National Youth Competition team in June.

[6] At 16 years and 238 days, Rankin became the third youngest player to make their début in Australian first-grade rugby league after coming off the bench for the Titans against the Newcastle Knights in round 22.

On 15 September 2015, Rankin signed a 2-year contract to return to the National Rugby League with the Wests Tigers starting in 2016.

[14] New coach Rick Stone said, "The main attraction in Jordan Rankin is his ability to play in nearly every position in the back line.

The deal was initially a loan for both parties, but Castleford state that there is "interest from all sides to make this a permanent move".

[18] In light of this injury, the Tigers were awarded Salary Cap relief by the RFL but following the announcement of Rankin's arrival it was confirmed by Castleford Director of Rugby Jon Wells that this had not yet been made use of.

Rankin scored a try and was voted as Fans Man of the Match for the Tigers' Elimination final victory over Warrington Wolves in the playoffs.

Castleford head coach Daryl Powell added: "Jordan has been outstanding for us this season and we are delighted to have him on board moving forward.

On 25 May 2020, it was announced that Rankin had been granted a release from both Castleford and parent club Huddersfield on compassionate grounds to allow him to return to Australia.