[citation needed] Although he was expected to make his début for Crusaders against Wigan Warriors on 5 February at the DW Stadium,[8] visa issues made him unavailable until 11 April match versus Wakefield Trinity.

First picked on the bench against Wakefield Trinity, he scored his first two tries against York City Knights[12] in the Carnegie Challenge Cup.

[11] It was announced that he would move to Widnes for the 2012 season alongside team mates Lloyd White and Frank Winterstein after the Welsh club's withdrawal from Super League.

[13] An impressive kick put Willie Isa through to score but the video referee spotted a pull on Peter Fox by Patrick Ah Van and disallowed the try.

Rhys Hanbury scored consecutive points in rounds two and three - a goal against Salford Red Devils[14] and a try against newly crowned World Club Challenge champions Leeds Rhinos.