Hanley played his amateur rugby league for the Shevington Sharks and is the son of former Bradford, Wigan, Leeds, Western Suburbs, Balmain and Great Britain international, Ellery Hanley.

[3] Hanley made his Super League debut in round 14 of the 2020 Super League season for the Warriors against St Helens where Wigan went on to lose 42–0 against a much more experienced St Helens team, Hanley started at fullback and became Wigan Warrior player #1105.

[4] [5] [6][7] In round 17 of the 2021 Super League season, Hanley scored a hat-trick in Wigan's 50-6 victory over Leigh.

He spent the majority of the year on loan with RFL Championship side Newcastle playing ten games.

[9] In round 6 of the 2024 Super League season, Hanley scored a hat-trick in Leigh's 32-22 loss against Salford.