Four weeks ago, Hayden Buchanan became the fourth Gerringong junior to debut in the NRL this season - with the number of Lions in the league now pushing double figures.

The 19-year-old centre had been biding his time throughout 2025 with the NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg squads for the St George Illawarra Dragons. 

But when starting centre Mat Feagai was ruled out with a groin injury, Buchanan got the call-up for the Dragons’ Round 23 clash against the Cronulla Sharks.

“The night before the captain’s run, they messaged me and said, ‘Come in - Matty Feagai has a bit of a groin issue. We need you just in case, all precautionary',” Buchanan said.

“At captain’s run, I asked Matty, ‘How are you going?’ And he goes, ‘I honestly don't feel too good. I’m not sure I’ll be able to play.’ So I had a feeling in the back of my mind that I was a chance.

“They did a final fitness test and ruled him out. Then Flanno [coach Shane Flanagan] yelled, ‘Everybody in!’ I had a feeling he was going to make the announcement. After that, it was all a bit of a blur until after the game.”

With his spot in the team confirmed, Buchanan was finally able to share the news with his family - the dream he’d been chasing since he was a little boy was about to become reality.

“Since I was seven years old, it’s all I’ve ever really wanted to do,” he said.

“So it was pretty special when I found out. I’ve never really strived for anything else in my life.

“Mum was shocked - I think there were a few tears on the phone, which was really nice. She’s done so much for me. And Dad was just excited and happy. He said, ‘Just do your thing, mate, and back yourself'.”

And back himself he did. Buchanan starred in the Dragons’ 22-14 win over Cronulla, racking up 18 runs for 110 metres, 18 tackles, a try assist - and even scoring a try of his own.

Captain Clint Gutherson broke into open space and looked certain to score, but instead found the debutant looming in support and handed him the honours.

“He definitely could’ve scored himself,” Buchanan laughed. “But he gave me a try and said, ‘Remember that, mate - remember who gave you your first try.’ That was really nice of him and pretty special.

Hayden playing in his debut match against the Cronulla Sharks. Photo: St George Illawarra Dragons

“Especially because I scored right in front of all my friends and family in that corner - just by chance.”

Buchanan also shared some of the advice and support that boosted his confidence leading into the match.

“Flanno told me, ‘We’re all confident you can get the job done, mate. You’ve worked hard - just go out and do your thing.’ He also said Gutho and Cookie [Damien Cook] told him they backed me to do the job,” he said.

“That kind of stuff gives you real confidence. When you know your coach, captain, and leaders believe in you, it makes a huge difference.”

Since his debut, Buchanan has featured in all three of the Dragons’ following matches. While he knows he’s still developing, he’s embracing life on the big stage.

“I definitely have things to improve on, and that’ll come with more experience, time, and training - but I’m really enjoying it,” he said.

As for why Gerringong keeps producing NRL-ready players - with eight now in the top tier - Buchanan believes it’s a mix of strong mentorship and inspiration from those who’ve made it.

“We’ve got so many good role models like Scott Stewart, Rixon Russell, Johnny Ford and Nathan Ford - he’s won seven Group 7 grand finals.

"He was also my school teacher and I remember being really competitive at school, and Nathan told me, ‘Never lose that, mate - it’ll take you places.’ That always stuck with me,” said Buchanan.

“And I also think when you see someone from your town, someone you’ve played with or looked up to, making it - it gives you that belief that maybe you can do it too. I looked up to Hamish [Stewart] and Dylan [Egan] and wanted to be like them growing up. 

“And I’m sure they were the same for Reuben [Garrick], Tyran [Wishart] and Jackson [Ford] - and Reuben, Tyran and Jackson were probably the same for the group before them.”

This weekend, the Dragons wrap up their season with a final-round clash against the Penrith Panthers at WIN Stadium - Buchanan’s first NRL game so close to home.

He’s hoping for a strong crowd to help the Red V end the year on a high.