Harry Hayes’ Remarkable Rise: From Rejection to Bulldogs Star and Top 30 Triumph

Harry Hayes has had a standout 2024, making his mark with the Canterbury Bulldogs in a journey that saw him follow in his grandfather’s footsteps while earning a new contract.

The grandson of Merv Hicks, a Great Britain international and member of the Bulldogs’ 1967 Grand Final team, Hayes achieved significant milestones this year, including his NRL debut, winning the Terry Lamb Medal for the club’s best NSW Cup player, and securing a new deal that extends his tenure until the end of 2026.

A product of the Entrance Tigers, Hayes’ path to professional rugby league began unconventionally. Initially playing as a fullback, he transitioned to the wing and centres before finding his stride in the back row.

His versatility proved valuable, particularly later in the season, when he became a key contributor off the interchange bench. He capped the year by appearing in the Bulldogs’ week one finals loss to the Manly Sea Eagles.

Remarkably, Hayes started 2024 on a train-and-trial contract. However, his hard work and consistent performances earned him a promotion to the Bulldogs’ Top 30 roster for 2025 and a two-year contract extension. Grateful for the opportunity, Hayes told Zero Tackle, “I definitely want to stay here. I couldn’t think of a different club I’d want to go to at the moment.”

The road to first-grade rugby league hasn’t been easy for Hayes. After missing out on the club’s SG Ball Cup squad, his confidence took a significant hit, and doubts about achieving his NRL dream crept in. Reflecting on those challenging times, Hayes shared, “It was a weird time because I was a fullback… then they started putting me on the wing, and I wasn’t having the best time. My confidence was definitely low.”

Determined to turn things around, Hayes persisted, eventually earning a spot in the Bulldogs’ Jersey Flegg Cup team in 2022 and 2023. His resilience paid off as he continued to develop and excel. “I thought, if I’m in the development squad, I’m going to give it my best shot. I’m happy I did,” he said.