Gerringong Lions has presented rising star player 17-year-old Hayden Buchanan with a $500 cheque to help pay for his trip to Papua New Guinea as part of the Australian Schoolboys Rugby League team.

Gerringong Lions Secretary Jody Egan agreed that the Lions have an enviable reputation as one of the best clubs for junior players to have great fun and little stress playing league. 

“The Gerringong Lions has one of the highest junior retention rates in NSW, if not the highest. Especially that difficult age bracket between 14 to 16 years old.”

Hayden is seen as another talented player following in the footsteps of Lions greats like Mick Cronin and Ashton Sims. 

Last year, Hayden joined the Illawarra Steelers junior representative squad, scoring nine tries in eight Harold Matthews Cup squad games.  

A Kiama High student, Hayden also played in 2023 for the NSW CHS (Combined High School Sports team). Australian Schoolboys coach Nathan Ford described Hayden as a role model for the sport's values and noted his standard of fair play.

Hayden, who plays first grade for Gerringong Lions, agreed he had a lot of fun playing, and the club gave a lot of support.

“Love playing for the Lions,” he said.