Young gun, Jacob Preston will get the chance to become a long-term Bulldog after signing a three-year contract extension with the Club.
Preston was joined at Belmore Sports Ground today by members of family as he inked the new deal, committing to be a Bulldog for the foreseeable future.
The 21-year-old, who has played just seven NRL games since his debut in Round 1 of the 2023 NRL Premiership, will now stay on in the blue and white until at least the end of the 2027 season.
From taking the field in every fixture of the 2023 season so far, the second-rower has managed to reel off three tries, four line breaks, 678 running metres and 252 tackles, whilst maintaining a 96.2% tackle efficiency.
He nabbed his first NRL try during the Club's 26-12 victory over the Melbourne Storm in Round 2, before taking his first career double during the golden point win over the North Queensland Cowboys in Round 5.
His achievements not only earning him the contract extension but respect as one of the league's top current contenders for Rookie of the Year just several rounds in.
Preston puts the Dogs back in it
Preston joined the Club's Top 30 Squad as a new recruit (Roosters/North Sydney Bears) in 2023, quickly impressing Head Coach Cameron Ciraldo on arrival.
At just 21, the Belrose Eagles junior got his chance in first grade against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, debuting alongside teammate Paul Alamoti, after injury saw Luke Thompson ruled out. While he took to the field from the bench in Round 1, he has since earned a spot in the starting side every week.
Preston impressed the Canterbury recruitment team not only with his talent, but with his humility, dedication, ambition and character. He has been likened to Bulldogs legend Josh Jackson in the manner of his work ethic, professionalism and playing style, and has been labelled as 'a true Bulldog' among Club staff despite his relatively short stint under club colours to date.
Jake Preston: Focused & Ready
'Prestonmania' has well and truly settled into Belmore with blue and white officials extremely pleased to see another talented young footballer pledge his future to the Club.
"Jacob Preston is a real Bulldog and he's the type of kid we would like to build our future around," said General Manager of Football, Phil Gould.
We're excited he'll be part of the next four seasons. I see him as a future leader of the Club.
"In the meantime, he has a long way to go but his work ethic and resilience indicate to me that he will do everything that it takes to be successful."
Bulldogs Chief Executive Officer, Aaron Warburton added: "Jacob has settled into life at Belmore and the NRL seamlessly.
"He's a pleasure to have around the place. His drive, professionalism and maturity is evident. He's a true Bulldog."
The Club congratulates Preston on his new long-term deal.
