The Dragons are pleased to announce that Hayden Buchanan been promoted into the club’s NRL squad for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
Initially on a development deal, Buchanan’s work during the preseason and early part of the season has earnt the 20-year-old a deserved promotion.
A Gerringong Lions junior, Buchanan made his Jersey Flegg debut in 2023 when he was just 17 – the same year he earnt an Australian Schoolboys nod – before representing the Under 19s Blues a year young the following season.
He made the leap up to Knock-On Effect NSW Cup in mid-2024 and developed into an integral part of the side the next year earning himself another NSW Under 19s call-up.
Buchanan made his NRL debut in the side’s Round 23 local derby win last year scoring a try and assisting on another before finishing the year with five NRL caps to his name.
“I grew up here, played junior footy here, junior reps. Making my debut last year was really special and I’m looking forward to building on it. We have a great group of players and staff here and we’re on a really exciting journey together.”
“I’m stoked to be extending my time here at the Dragons,” Buchanan said.
“I grew up here, played junior footy here, junior reps. Making my debut last year was really special and I’m looking forward to building on it. We have a great group of players and staff here and we’re on a really exciting journey together.”
Head Coach Shane Flanagan says Buchanan’s promotion is a result of the Dragons Academy graduate’s continued hard work.
“Hayden’s worked really hard throughout the preseason and deserves this opportunity,” Flanagan said.
“He’s one of our local juniors who has been in our system for a while. He played some NRL towards the back end of last season and showed he has what it takes to compete at that level. He’s a good trainer and a good teammate. We’re looking forward to seeing his continued development over the next few seasons.”
