The Dragons are pleased to announce that Jacob Halangahu has signed a contract extension with the club.
The deal sees the 18-year-old transition into the club’s Top 30 for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
Since linking up with St George’s Harold Matthews Cup side in 2022, the back-rower was named to the Australian Schoolboys side in 2023 before making the transition up to SG Ball where he took home Player of the Match honours in St George’s drought-breaking 2024 Grand Final victory and was named the side’s Player of the Year.
Later that year, he represented NSW City Under 18s later before coming off the bench in NSW’s Under 19s State of Origin victory.
Halangahu was named the Australian Schoolboys captain before earning his first taste of an NRL preseason in November.
He made his Knock-On Effect NSW Cup debut against Canterbury on Saturday scoring a try, making 27 tackles, and running for 152 metres with seven tackle breaks in an 80-minute performance.
“Jacob is a really promising young player and we are excited to lock him down,” Head Coach Shane Flanagan said.
“Obviously, all the accolades that he has collected as a junior are great but what’s been most impressive is his application to training and his professionalism. He works hard and he’s had no issues mixing it with seasoned NRL players. He’s strong and he’s athletic and plays with lots of aggression and x-factor, so we’re excited he’ll be here.”
“I’m over the moon,” Halangahu said.
“My goal is to be a one-club man, and this is the start of my journey now. These guys treat me like family and I’m very excited to continue to wear the Red V. Being here in the Museum gives me goosebumps and chills. Just seeing the legends that were before us and how honoured we are to get to pull on the jersey and represent those guys.”
More than just football went into Halangahu’s decision to re-up with the Dragons with younger brother Luka now making his way through the system as well as father Toa who works with St George’s junior reps sides.
“There’s definitely a deeper bond between us three now,” Halangahu said.
“With Dad working behind the scenes, he understands what type of hard work it takes. He still pushes us, especially with my brother playing Harold Matts. He’s in the same spot I was in, so we’re both there to help him and keep pushing him towards where I am… I’ve brought all seven of my siblings along just to show them that hard work does get you places and you’ve just got to weather the storms and look where you end up.”
