[1] Hanigan was born in Dubbo and raised in Coonamble in the central-west part of New South Wales.

After high school, he began studying science at University of New South Wales alongside Shute Shield rugby with Randwick, winning Premiership Rugby title with their Colts side before progressing on to their first team.

As a youngster competing against Wallaby internationals such as Dean Mumm, Will Skelton and Dave Dennis for a starting place, Hanigan's game time was limited to just 3 substitute appearances in his debut season.

[1][2] Hanigan represented Australia at schoolboy level and was an important member of the side on their grand-slam European tour in 2013.

He was also a member of the Australia Under-20 which competed at the 2015 World Rugby Under 20 Championship in Italy after which he was named his side's MVP for the tournament.