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Jordan Rankin
Jordan Rankin
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Jordan Rankin (born 17 December 1991) is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who last played as a fullback, five-eighth or halfback for the Huddersfield Giants in the Super League.[4][5]

Key Information

He previously played for the Gold Coast Titans and the Wests Tigers in the National Rugby League, and Hull F.C. and the Huddersfield Giants in the Super League. 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.

Background

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Rankin was born in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia and is of Australian descent[citation needed].

Playing career

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Gold Coast Titans

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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.[7] Eastern Suburbs player Ray Stehr in 1929 and Wests' Jack Arnold in 1936 are the only two players younger than Rankin on debut.[7] Selected for the Australian Schoolboys side to play touring teams from England and France, Rankin was required to withdraw from the representative team in order to train with the Titans squad ahead of the game.[8]

After his debut, Rankin returned to the club's NYC team, where he would stay for the remainder of the 2008 season. Rankin later said, "I'm not going to say I wasn't thrown in too young but it was an opportunity I took ... that I was given... it is one of those things I have to live with now. Sixteen is obviously, when you look at it now, a bit young."[9]

In August 2008, Rankin re-signed with the Titans on a three-year deal.[10]

Rankin didn't add to his NRL game tally in either the 2009 or 2010 seasons, instead playing in the NYC for the Titans. After 2 seasons without a single NRL game, Rankin returned in round 16 against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. He later said, "I played one game and didn't play for another two years and that dents your confidence. I didn't play my natural game, I played a bit more conservative[9]

Rankin playing for the Gold Coast Titans in 2011

He played 8 NRL games during the 2011 season.

Hull F.C.

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In late 2013 English Super League club Hull F.C. announced the signing of Rankin on a 2-year deal as a direct replacement for outgoing half Daniel Holdsworth. He scored a try on his Super League début against the Catalans Dragons.

Rankin playing for Hull FC in 2015

Doncaster (dual registration)

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Rankin played two Championship matches for English club Doncaster in 2015.

Wests Tigers

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On 15 September 2015, Rankin signed a 2-year contract to return to the National Rugby League with the Wests Tigers starting in 2016.[11] He played on the wing in the first round match against the New Zealand Warriors, saying, "I wouldn't say it's my début all over again. I feel like I've got the opportunity now to play as a more experienced first-grade footy player."[12] The next week, he scored his first try for the club against Manly.

Remaining on the wing, Rankin took over the team's goal-kicking duties in round 6. In round 9, he moved to fullback in the second half of the game after an injury to James Tedesco. He was awarded Man of the Match and finished with 2 tries and 7 tackle breaks.[13]

Rankin mostly played reserve grade for Wests Tigers in 2017, making one appearance at halfback in round 11.

Rankin playing for the Tigers in 2017

Weeks later he was released to join the Huddersfield Giants immediately.

Huddersfield Giants

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In June 2017, Huddersfield Giants announced the signing of Rankin on a deal to the end of the 2017 season.[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. He's played in the outside-backs, he's played in the halves and he's played a whole NRL season on the wing."[15] In August 2017 the move was made permanent with a three-year deal.[16]

Castleford Tigers

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In January 2019, Rankin signed for Castleford Tigers as part of a deal that saw Joe Wardle move the other way. 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".[17] The transfer came about as a result of a serious injury to Castleford's key halfback Luke Gale – Gale suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in pre-season training, ruling him out for the entirety of the upcoming season.[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.[19]

Rankin was assigned squad number 32 for the 2019 campaign, and began the season playing halfback for Castleford. Following a mid-season hamstring injury, which kept him out for 8 games, Rankin played the majority of matches at fullback. A number of good performances established him as the Tigers' first choice in this position, and he was integral in Castleford's push for the playoffs. 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.[20] Rankin was named as the Castleford Tigers Supporters Club committee player of the year at the end of the 2019 season.[21]

In October 2019 Castleford confirmed that Rankin would remain at the club for the 2020 season, with Joe Wardle also remaining at Huddersfield as part of the deal. 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."[22] Rankin was given squad number 1 for 2020, having firmly cemented himself as the Tigers' first choice fullback.[23] He made 7 appearances throughout February and March, playing in every game for Castleford until the season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.[4][5] He commented, "I'm disappointed to be cutting my time short here in the UK but my family comes first and that's always been first and foremost for me. I want to thank both clubs for giving me the opportunity to play, to play in Super League and I've really enjoyed it, my time at Cas especially. I'll always have fond memories of playing at the club and I'll always appreciate that I was given the chance."

Parramatta Eels

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On 20 June 2020, Rankin signed a contract to join Parramatta. Rankin made no appearances for Parramatta in the 2020 NRL season.[24]

Rankin playing for Parramatta in 2021

In 2021 he spent time playing in the NSW Cup.

On 14 June 2022, Parramatta announced Rankin would take up a coaching role for their NSW Cup team becoming Captain/Coach.[25]

In 2023, while still playing and captaining the NSW Cup side, he was also an assistant coach to Parramatta's premiership winning SG Ball Cup side.

Following retirement at the end of the 2023 season, Rankin was appointed Head Coach for the Parramatta Eels Jersey Flegg program for the 2024 season.[26]

Statistics

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Season Team Pld T G FG Pts
2008 Gold Coast Titans 1 - - - -
2009 Gold Coast Titans - - - - -
2010 Gold Coast Titans - - - - -
2011 Gold Coast Titans 8 - - - -
2012 Gold Coast Titans 6 1 - - 4
2013 Gold Coast Titans 2 - - - -
2014 Hull FC 22 10 34 - 108
2015 Doncaster 2 - - - -
2015 Hull FC 28 14 16 - 88
2016 Wests Tigers 22 7 28 - 84
2017 Wests Tigers 1 - - - -
2017 Huddersfield Giants 11 1 5 - 14
2018 Huddersfield Giants 30 2 4 - 16
2019 Castleford Tigers 24 10 19 - 78
2020* Castleford Tigers 7 - - - -
Totals 164 45 106 - 392

(* denotes season still competing)

Footnotes

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jordan Rankin (born 17 December 1991) is an Australian former professional footballer and current coach, best known for his versatile play as a halfback, , or fullback across a 16-year career in the (NRL) and . Hailing from the Gold Coast, , Rankin burst onto the scene with the Gold Coast Titans, making his NRL debut on 11 August 2008 against the at just 16 years and 238 days old, the youngest player in the NRL era. Throughout his professional tenure, Rankin competed for several prominent clubs, including the Titans (2008, 2011–2013) and (2016–2017) in the NRL, where he appeared in 40 first-grade matches and scored 8 tries. He then moved to , playing 117 Super League games for (2014–2015, 51 appearances), (2017–2018), and (2019–2020), accumulating 33 tries and 71 goals for a total of 274 points. Returning to in 2020, he captained the ' NSW Cup side until his retirement announcement in August 2023, after which he played his final match against the . Post-retirement, Rankin has focused on coaching within the Eels' development pathways, taking on the role of for their [Jersey Flegg Cup](/page/Jersey Flegg_Cup) team in 2024 while also contributing to NRL staff and under-18 programs. His transition was supported by the Players Association's Past Player & Transition Program, which aided his shift into full-time coaching and personal development pursuits.

Background

Early life

Jordan Rankin was born on 17 December 1991 in , . Little public information is available regarding his family background, though he was raised in the Gold Coast region, a hub for activity bolstered by community programs and the presence of the Gold Coast Titans NRL club. Rankin's early exposure to occurred through local community initiatives and school activities in the Gold Coast area. He attended Palm Beach Currumbin High School, where he participated in youth rugby programs as a student. This environment, rich in grassroots development, provided foundational opportunities for his involvement in the sport prior to organized junior competitions. At the outset of his career, Rankin stood at 183 cm tall and weighed 93 kg, measurements that served as his baseline adult physique.

Junior career

Jordan Rankin began his rugby league journey in the local Gold Coast competition, playing his junior football with the . He also represented Palm Beach Currumbin State High School, where he honed his skills as a halfback. In 2007, at age 15, Rankin was selected for the SEQ Kookaburras (under-16s) in the Junior Championships, where he scored a try in a match against the Northern Marlins. The following year, he earned a spot in the Australian Schoolboys team as the No. 7, contributing two tries and 10 goals in a 68-6 victory over during their tour of . Rankin's standout performances in youth representative fixtures led to his signing with the Gold Coast Titans' development pathway at age 16. He quickly progressed to the club's under-20s side in the National Youth Competition (formerly Toyota Cup), where he excelled as a , helping the team secure six consecutive wins early in the season and earning three player-of-the-match awards. These achievements showcased his potential and paved the way for his entry into professional .

Playing career

Gold Coast Titans

Jordan Rankin made his National Rugby League (NRL) debut for the in the 2008 season, becoming the third youngest player to appear in first-grade rugby league at 16 years and 238 days old. He entered the game off the bench for the final 29 minutes during Round 22 against the at Skilled Park, marking a significant milestone for the club shortly after his promotion from the under-20s National Youth Competition (NYC) squad in June of that year. This debut highlighted the Titans' commitment to nurturing local talent from the Gold Coast region, where Rankin had grown up. Over the period from 2008 to 2013, Rankin featured in 17 first-grade games for the Titans, primarily operating as a halfback or five-eighth in the halves. His opportunities were limited due to his youth and the club's established playmakers, with no appearances in the 2009 or 2010 seasons as he continued developing through the NYC side. Rankin returned to first grade in 2011, playing eight games, followed by six in 2012 and two in 2013, often providing utility cover rather than starting roles. Despite showing promise as a versatile , Rankin's tenure at the Titans was characterized by inconsistent selection, reflecting the challenges of breaking into a competitive NRL squad at such a young age. In late , the club granted him a release to pursue opportunities overseas, ending his time with the Titans after five seasons. This move symbolized both the club's investment in youth development and the realities of limited pathways for emerging players.

Hull F.C.

In late 2013, Jordan Rankin signed a two-year contract with for the 2014 and 2015 seasons, following his release from the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL. This move marked his first professional stint overseas, where he transitioned from limited NRL appearances to a more prominent role in English . During his time at , Rankin adapted effectively to the 's demands, earning consistent selections primarily as a halfback or fullback. He featured in 51 games across the two seasons, scoring 24 tries and contributing 49 goals for a total of 194 points. In 2014, he played 23 matches, helping the team to an 11th-place finish in the 14-team competition. The following year, Rankin appeared in 28 games, supporting 's improvement to 8th place. His versatility and reliability bolstered the squad's mid-table stability, while the experience enhanced his overall game understanding and confidence in a new league environment. In 2015, Rankin was dual-registered with in the to build match fitness, where he played two games. At the end of the 2015 season, released Rankin as part of a squad overhaul, allowing him to return to .

Wests Tigers

Following his stint with in the , Jordan Rankin signed a two-year contract with the on 15 September 2015, marking his return to the for the 2016 season. The 23-year-old utility back, who could play halfback, , or fullback, joined a Tigers squad in the midst of a rebuilding phase under coach Jason Taylor, aiming to provide depth in the halves amid ongoing team transitions. In his debut season, Rankin featured in 22 NRL games, primarily as halfback or , often stepping in due to injuries to key players like and . He demonstrated improved consistency compared to his earlier NRL experiences, contributing to the team's efforts with 7 tries and 28 goals from 40 attempts, amassing 84 points overall. Rankin credited his time overseas for rebuilding his confidence, noting that the regular game time in allowed him to return to as a more mature player ready for first-grade demands. In 2017, Rankin's opportunities diminished due to stiff competition for starting positions in the halves, with and Brooks anchoring the roles for much of the early season. He spent the majority of the year in the Intrust Super Premiership NSW with the ' reserve grade side, where he played 11 games, scoring 3 tries and 28 goals for 68 points, while occasionally serving as a option off the bench. Rankin made just one NRL appearance that year, starting at halfback in round 11 against the following ' departure to the , where he aimed to solidify his claim for a regular spot alongside Brooks. Despite showing versatility and potential as a reliable backup, he was not established as a long-term fixture in the first-grade lineup. On 17 June 2017, the released Rankin from the remainder of his contract with immediate effect, allowing him to pursue opportunities elsewhere after 23 total NRL games for the club.

Huddersfield Giants

Rankin joined the in June 2017 on an initial contract until the end of the season, having been released by the . He impressed sufficiently to earn a three-year extension in August 2017, committing him to the club through 2020. During 2017 and 2018, as the Giants' primary utility back, Rankin featured in 41 matches, scoring 3 tries and 9 goals for a total of 30 points; this represented his highest number of appearances for any single club. He showcased versatility across the backline, primarily at fullback but also in the halves, deputizing effectively for injured players like . Rankin's consistent performances contributed to the Giants' stability in the , helping them secure mid-table finishes and avoid the relegation battle in both seasons. In 2017, ended the regular season in eighth place before competing in the Super 8s, where they secured their Super League status. The following year, under new coach Simon Woolford, the team finished eighth, comfortably clear of the bottom four. These campaigns marked a period of relative consistency for Rankin after his shorter stints elsewhere, establishing him as a reliable presence in the Giants' backline. From 2019 onward, served as Rankin's parent club during his loans to , providing a base amid his continued involvement. His time with the Giants concluded in May 2020, when the club mutually agreed to release him from the final year of his contract—exacerbated by the pandemic's disruptions to the season—allowing a return to on compassionate grounds.

Castleford Tigers

Jordan Rankin joined the on a season-long loan from at the start of the , as part of a swap deal that saw Joe Wardle move to Huddersfield. The arrangement was extended into 2020, allowing Rankin to continue as a versatile , primarily operating at fullback or in the halves. Over the two years, he appeared in 31 games for the Tigers, scoring 10 tries and 19 goals for a total of 82 points. Rankin's contributions were instrumental in Castleford's competitive 2019 campaign, where the team finished fifth in the and qualified for the , including a narrow elimination final over . He emerged as a key organizer on the field, with his speed and vision earning praise from observers; for instance, he was described as "outstanding" during the playoff win, where he scored a crucial try. In a season marked by injuries to other playmakers, Rankin stepped up effectively, providing leadership in attack and helping to stabilize the Tigers' backline during their push for post-season success. The 2020 season was curtailed by the , but Rankin featured in early matches before both clubs mutually agreed to cancel his loan in May 2020, enabling his return to on compassionate grounds. Huddersfield subsequently released him from his parent contract, marking the end of his time in the UK.

Parramatta Eels

Jordan Rankin joined the Parramatta Eels in June 2020 on a contract covering the remainder of that season and all of 2021, transitioning from his Super League role at Castleford Tigers to provide depth as a utility back capable of playing halfback, five-eighth, or fullback. Despite the club's injury challenges in the halves during 2020, Rankin did not feature in first-grade NRL matches that year, instead focusing on integration into the squad and reserve-grade development. His signing was praised for bringing over 160 professional games of experience and strong goal-kicking ability to bolster the Eels' roster. In 2021, Rankin extended his stay with the Eels beyond the initial term, primarily featuring in the Cup () as a halfback while continuing to train with the NRL squad and participating in pre-season trials, such as a 28-6 win over the where he demonstrated versatility across positions. He played 20 games in the that season, contributing to the team's campaign but remaining in reserves due to the established first-grade depth in the halves led by players like and . Rankin's role evolved into a development-focused position, where he mentored emerging talent and provided leadership in training sessions, drawing on his extensive career to guide younger players. By 2022, Rankin assumed the captaincy of the Eels' side midway through the season in Round 15, stepping into a captain-coach role following the promotion of previous coach Ryan Carr to the NRL staff; under his leadership, the team achieved a 3-3 record in his initial stint and reached the semi-finals, with Rankin topping the competition's point-scoring charts with 120 points from goals and tries. Teammates highlighted his on-field communication and real-time coaching insights, which strengthened the team's spine and fostered respect among the group, though close losses like a 78th-minute defeat to the underscored the competitive challenges. Despite his contributions, injuries and the Eels' robust NRL halves options prevented a first-grade recall, solidifying his reserve-grade focus. Rankin's tenure extended into 2023 as NSW Cup captain for 23 of the team's matches, where he again led the point-scoring with 144 points and supported the side's development efforts amid ongoing first-grade depth. At age 31, he embraced a role for up-and-coming players, playing all 24 NSW Cup games that year while navigating age-related physical demands and minor injuries that kept him out of NRL contention. Over his four seasons with the Eels from 2020 to 2023, Rankin appeared in 72 NSW Cup matches without a single first-grade outing, marking a phase of and legacy-building in the reserves as he wound down his playing career.

Post-playing career

Retirement

Jordan Rankin announced his retirement from professional on 23 August 2023, at the age of 31, ahead of his final match in the 2023 Cup season. His final appearance came in a match for the ' NSW Cup side against the . The decision stemmed from a mix of his age, diminishing first-grade opportunities in recent seasons—where he primarily featured in reserve-grade competitions—and a keen interest in dedicating himself to coaching. Rankin reflected on his 16-year playing career, which began with his NRL debut for the Gold Coast Titans in 2008 and encompassed 164 games across the NRL and . In interviews conducted in early 2025, Rankin emphasized the vital role of the Players Association's (RLPA) Past Player & Transition Program in easing his departure from the sport, stating that it prevented him from being "left stranded" after years of structured professional life. He shared that the program supported his acquisition of qualifications, including a Certificate IV in Building and Construction and Certificates III and IV in Fitness, providing practical pathways beyond playing. Upon retiring, Rankin immediately transitioned to a full-time position, leveraging his on-field expertise to mentor emerging talent.

Coaching career

Following his retirement from playing at the end of the 2023 season, Jordan Rankin transitioned directly into a full-time role with the as head coach of their team starting in 2024. Prior to this appointment, Rankin had gained experience within the Eels' pathways system, serving as captain-coach of the club's side in 2022 and as an assistant coach for the premiership-winning SG Ball Cup team in 2023. These roles allowed him to lead and develop players at multiple levels, drawing on his extensive professional experience as a halfback to emphasize tactical and game management in training. By 2025, Rankin was recognized as a key figure in the Eels' youth development programs, guiding the Jersey Flegg team to a fifth-place finish in the competition and an elimination final appearance, where they were defeated by the on 7 September 2025. His coaching philosophy, articulated in early 2025 interviews, focused on player growth, leadership, and giving back to the sport that shaped his career, with long-term aspirations to become an NRL . Rankin highlighted the importance of structured transition programs, crediting the Rugby League Players Association for supporting his move into coaching and enabling him to mentor the next generation effectively. As of November 2025, Rankin continued in his role with the Eels, with the club announcing his reappointment as Jersey Flegg for the 2026 season as part of their elite pathways structure. Through these efforts, he has contributed to fostering emerging talent, leveraging his on-field expertise to build resilient, high-performing young athletes within the NRL system.

Career statistics and honors

Professional playing statistics

Jordan Rankin's professional playing career in first-grade rugby league spanned the (NRL) and English competitions, including and the , where he appeared in a total of 165 matches, scoring 45 tries, 106 goals, and accumulating 392 points. In the NRL, Rankin played 40 games across two clubs, scoring 8 tries and 28 goals for 88 points. He debuted with the Gold Coast Titans in 2008, making 17 appearances (1 try, 0 goals, 4 points) from 2008 and 2011–2013. With the in 2016–2017, he featured in 23 games (7 tries, 28 goals, 84 points). Rankin's English career accounted for 125 games, 37 tries, 78 goals, and 304 points. He played 51 matches for in (2014–2015; 24 tries, 50 goals, 196 points), 2 games for in the (2015; 0 tries, 0 goals, 0 points), 41 appearances for in (2017–2018; 3 tries, 9 goals, 30 points), and 31 games for in (2019–2020; 10 tries, 19 goals, 78 points). Throughout his first-grade career, Rankin demonstrated versatility across multiple positions, including halfback, , fullback, and . The following table summarizes his first-grade statistics by season:
YearClubCompetitionGamesTriesGoalsPoints
2008NRL1000
2011NRL8000
2012NRL6104
2013NRL2000
2014Hull F.C.231033106
2015Hull F.C.28141790
20152000
2016NRL2272884
2017NRL1000
2017111514
2018302416
201924101978
20207000

Awards and honors

Jordan Rankin achieved early recognition in his career by becoming the third youngest player to debut in the (NRL), coming off the bench for the Gold Coast Titans against the on 11 August 2008 at the age of 16 years and 237 days. This milestone highlighted his prodigious talent as a halfback, marking the youngest NRL debut since the competition's inception in 1908 and underscoring his rapid rise from junior ranks. Later in his career, Rankin demonstrated leadership qualities by serving as captain of the ' New South Wales Cup () team from 2022 to 2023, guiding the side through 21 matches in 2022 and 23 in 2023 while also taking on coaching responsibilities midway through the 2022 season. Under his captaincy, the Eels reached the 2022 semi-finals, reflecting his influence in fostering team performance at the reserve-grade level. Throughout his professional tenure, Rankin amassed 392 points across the NRL and in first-grade matches, including 88 points in 40 NRL appearances and 304 points in 123 games, establishing him as a reliable goal-kicker and . His contributions extended to mentoring younger players during his time at various clubs, particularly in reserve and development pathways, which laid the groundwork for his post-playing focus on youth coaching.

References

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