Hayden Buchanan made a dream debut for the Dragons as he scored a try in their upset win over traditional rivals Cronulla at Kogarah on Saturday.

After getting a late call-up to the team when Mat Feagai was ruled out with a groin injury, the Gerringong Lions junior made a strong start to his first-grade career at left centre.

He scored a crucial try late in the first half and also set up co-captain Clint Gutherson's four-pointer early in the second term as St George Illawarra converted a 16-14 half-time lead into a 22-14 triumph.

The win keeps the Dragons in the hunt for the playoffs and after other results went their way, they are just four points off eighth heading into the final four rounds.

Buchanan matched up against experienced Sharks centre Jesse Ramien but more than held his own as he notched 110 run metres from 18 runs, more hit-ups than any other back in the red and white backline.

The 19-year-old Steelers junior also made 18 tackles in an eye-catching first hit-out at the top level.

"A lot of stuff has happened behind the scenes this week, injuries and so on, and a boy making their debut, so outstanding club effort," Dragons coach Shane Flanagan said.

Buchanan followed in the footsteps of Gerringong duo Dylan Egan and Hamish Stewart, who each made their debut earlier this season.

Stewart also performed well against Cronulla with 12 hit-ups for 102 run metres on top of a game-high 42 tackles after being promoted to the starting side in the second row. playing the full 80 minutes for the first time in his 18-game career.

It has been a bumper season for Gerringong with Ashton Ward recently making his NRL debut for South Sydney - he has been selected to play his third match for the Rabbitohs in Sunday's road game against Gold Coast.

Buchanan's graduation to the NRL ranks means there are now eight players from Gerringong, including Tyran Wishart, Jackson Ford, Reuben Garrick, and Kyle McCarthy, who have played first grade in 2025.

The Dragons travel to Auckland next Friday looking to continue their giant-killing run.

In the NRLW, the Dragons side fell to the Sharks 20-6 on Saturday afternoon.

Kiama junior Maria Paseka was called into the side on the wing for her first appearance of the season and just her second at NRLW level, scoring St George Illawarra's only try.

They will look to end their five-game losing streak when they tackle the Tigers next Sunday at Allianz Stadium.