While the Steelers SG Ball forward pack, led by inspirational Captain Daniel Meafou, has been paving the way up front this season, Hayden Buchanan has quietly been going about his business in the centres, providing strike power out wide when called upon.
The former Australian schoolboys representative has crossed for five tries from his six outings, including a hat-trick in round two.
Ahead of the round seven local derby against the St George Dragons, Buchanan was quick to play down his own contribution while talking up his team’s performance.
Read More>>Round 7 Team Lists
“I’m just looking to help the team out, and I believe I have done that so far this season,” Buchanan said.
“I’m really happy with how the team is going. Everyone’s bought into what Timmo (coach Shaun Timmins) has talked about and following his instructions.”
“I don’t know if we have played to our potential as a team yet, but we certainly show a lot of character on the park, and that’s what I’m proud of.
Mind Games
The Gerringong Lions junior relished the opportunity to spend the pre-season training with the St George Illawarra Dragons NRL squad.
“I learned a lot, more about off-field stuff, how to manage training and the mind, than the physical and skill side of footy.
“That was the biggest thing I took away from the experience, learning about the off-field game.”
Mate Against Mate
Buchanan trained with some of the Dragons players during the off-season, but says it won’t affect the upcoming battle, where mateship will be a secondary consideration.
“I’m pretty good mates with some of them. They’ve got a good forward pack, so it will be a good challenge.
“If we start well and get into the grind, we can win.”
Round 7 Fixtures | Saturday, 16 March | Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah
- 11.00am – Harold Matthews Cup (U17 Boys) – Steelers v St George Dragons
- 12.30pm – Lisa Fiaola Cup (U17 Girls) – Steelers v St George Dragons
- 2.00pm – Tarsha Gale Cup (U19 Girls) – Steelers v St George Dragons
- 3.30pm – SG Ball Cup (U19 Boys) – Steelers v St George Dragons