Junee’s Jaxson Allen signs two-year deal with Bulldogs

ANOTHER rising rugby league star from Junee is making waves in the NRL, with talented young hooker Jaxson Allen securing a two-year deal with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

The signing marks another major milestone in the 20-year-old’s promising career, following a standout stint with the Sydney Roosters that saw him captain a premiership-winning junior side, earn State of Origin selection and progress into the NSW Cup.

And in a fitting surprise, the Bulldogs officially announced Allen’s signing on Tuesday, October 13, the very day the Junee product celebrated his 20th birthday.

The move will see Allen join one of the NRL’s most recognisable clubs as he continues his push towards a potential first-grade debut.

Image: NRL.com

The young dummy-half arrives at Canterbury with an impressive junior representative pedigree and growing experience against senior opposition.

During the 2026 season, Allen made 13 appearances for the Roosters in the NSW Cup, scoring five tries, providing six try assists and averaging 23 tackles per game.

His performances followed a breakthrough 2025 campaign in which he captained the Roosters’ SG Ball side to a premiership, establishing himself as one of the club’s most promising young prospects.

Image: Facebook

That same year, Allen earned selection in the NSW Under 19s State of Origin side, representing the Blues alongside future Bulldogs teammates Jethro Rinakama, Mitchell Woods and Connor Votano.

His progression through the Roosters’ junior representative system also saw him advance into the Jersey Flegg competition before making the step up to reserve-grade football.

Now, Allen is preparing for a fresh challenge in blue and white.

Bulldogs General Manager of Football Phil Gould AM welcomed the signing, identifying Allen’s attacking instincts and football intelligence as key strengths.

“Jaxson is a crafty hooker with a great running game and high footy IQ,” Gould said.

“He has enormous potential and we’re excited to watch him continue to develop in the Bulldogs system.”

Allen will officially join Canterbury-Bankstown when players return for pre-season training in November.

Another chapter in Junee’s rugby league legacy

For a small Riverina town with a population of just a few thousand, Junee has produced more than its fair share of rugby league talent.

And Allen’s latest achievement comes in a particularly significant year for the town’s sporting community.

The Junee Diesels celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2026, marking a century of rugby league tradition stretching back to the club’s beginnings in 1926.

Few names are more closely associated with that history than Laurie Daley, the Junee-raised rugby league legend who went from wearing the Diesels’ blue and gold to becoming one of the game’s most celebrated players.

As a 17-year-old in 1986, Daley helped guide Junee to its second Group 9 first-grade premiership before joining the Canberra Raiders and embarking on an extraordinary career representing NSW and Australia.

A young Laurie Daley representing his state | Image: Laurie Daley

Four decades later, Daley returned to his hometown in July to celebrate the Diesels’ centenary, bringing the 2026 State of Origin shield with him after coaching NSW to a series victory.

Speaking during those celebrations, Daley reflected on the importance of rugby league to the town and the community that helped launch his career.

“To be able to play for Junee meant something really special. It’s a community. Rugby league means a lot to a lot of people here,” Daley said.

“The players weren’t just playing for themselves, they were playing for the town, and I really connected with that.”

Image: Junee Diesels

Image: Junee Diesels

That deep connection between the town and the game continues today, with Junee’s junior rugby league pathways, strong volunteer base and generations of passionate supporters helping sustain a proud football culture.

The town has enjoyed further success throughout its centenary year, with the Diesels’ women’s tackle side claiming its first Group 9 premiership, the Junior Diesels’ Under 16s winning the Northern Pool title and Junee High School securing a historic NSW Small Schools rugby league championship.

Now Allen is adding his own chapter to that proud sporting story.

While the Bulldogs deal does not guarantee an NRL debut, it represents another significant opportunity for the young hooker to develop his game and push for selection at the highest level.

And with his 20th birthday now behind him, a two-year contract secured and pre-season training just weeks away, the next chapter of Jaxson Allen’s rugby league journey is only just beginning.