Waratahs second-row re-signs

Editor

The Waratahs have announced the contract extension of NSW country-born second-row Ned Hanigan for the 2017 and 2018 Super Rugby seasons.

The 21-year-old made his debut for the ‘Tahs last season in round 11 against the Cheetahs after being promoted from the extended to the core playing squad due to his impressive work rate during the 2016 pre-season.

Born in Dubbo, NSW, Hanigan said he didn’t want to go anywhere else having come all the way through the NSW Rugby pathways.

“It means a great deal to me. I’m very thankful that I have the opportunity and am looking forward to staying,” Hanigan said.

“It’s a surreal experience to be able to pull on the NSW jersey. We’ve been talking about the heritage that the jersey holds and, with the new energy coming through and the leaders that we’ve got in the team, I’m really looking forward to it, it means a great deal to me.

“I came into the squad, into a professional environment, for the first time last year so I really want to just keep on learning from the guys who are here and have done it before.

“I learnt a great deal off Dave Dennis last year. He was a real mentor for me, showing me what it’s like to be a professional footballer and having a long career.

“So my goals are much the same this year. I just want to try and pull the boots on a bit more and stay injury free.”