The St George Illawarra Dragons can confirm that teenage star Jacob Halangahu has signed a long-term extension, which will see the Dragons Academy graduate remain in the Red V until at least the end of the 2029 season.
Head Coach Dean Young was thrilled to secure the promising youngster’s future.
“Jacob is mature beyond his years and is determined to make his mark in the game,” Young said.
“He’s a tough, hard-running forward who can break tackles, and his versatility allows him to play both in the back row and through the middle.
“Having another homegrown product re-sign with the club is a huge positive and a testament to the strength of our pathways. We’re excited to see Jacob continue his development in our colours.”
Halangahu joins Ryan and Toby Couchman, Hamish Stewart, Dylan Egan, and Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga as Academy graduates to be recently locked up through at least 2029.
“This club took a chance on me when I was 15, and I’m looking to repay their faith,” Halangahu, now 19, said.
“I want to be part of the group that’s bringing success back to this club. Deano has been a great mentor to me, thanks to his honesty and belief in me.”
A Minchinbury Jets and Brothers Penrith junior, Halangahu joined the club’s pathways system as a 15-year-old playing Harold Matthews Cup with the St George Dragons.
Over the coming years, he would go on to craft an unrivalled junior representative résumé which included an SG Ball premiership – in which he was named Player of the Match in the Grand Final.
“This club took a chance on me when I was 15, and I’m looking to repay their faith. I want to be part of the group that’s bringing success back to this club.”
Jacob Halangahu
He was also the side’s Player of the Year and gained back-to-back Australian Schoolboys selections – the second of which as captain – plus back-to-back Under 19s State of Origin nods.
“I wouldn’t be here without my family. They took a chance, too, and packed everything up to move down here,” Halangahu added.
“I want to keep putting our name on the map. My dad works behind the scenes for our junior rep teams, and my brother is entering SG Ball this year. I’m proud to have him under my wing.”
Chief Operating Officer Ben Creagh spoke highly of Halangahu’s ability, attitude, and work ethic, describing his extension as a “really big one” for the club.
“Jacob’s an extremely promising player who’s come up through our ranks,” Creagh said.
“His re-commitment is another really big one for our club in terms of retention. We’ve put a lot of effort into developing our homegrown talent, and Jacob’s honestly one of the real success stories from our Academy.
“You watch him and the raw talent just stands out, but off the field, he’s developing into a true professional with his commitment to improving his game.”
The damaging ball runner made the leap up to Knock-On Effect NSW Cup in 2025, growing into a key member of the squad before making a highly anticipated NRL debut in the side’s Round 23 local derby triumph against Cronulla at Kogarah.
Halangahu has made 13 NRL appearances over the past two seasons and has showcased the ability to play as both an edge and a middle forward.
