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Bulldogs breakthrough: Canterbury lock in star forward
Scott Bailey, AAP •  August 25th, 2026 9:30 pm
Jacob Preston has re-signed with Canterbury in a majoor boost for the Bulldogs | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
Canterbury have ended months of speculation around Jacob Preston's future, taking the star second-rower off the market and extending him until the end of 2031.
After uncertainty loomed around Preston's next deal, the Bulldogs confirmed on Tuesday night the highly-rated edge forward had signed a new four-year contract.
The move comes a week after Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo was forced to hose down suggestions the Bulldogs had been "disrespectful" with their offers to the backrower.
The deal makes Preston one of only two Bulldogs players to be locked in until the end of 2031, alongside captain Stephen Crichton.
"I'm so happy to have locked in my long-term future at the club," Preston said in a statement.
"The Bulldogs are home to me and I've built lifelong friendships here.
"I know the club is building something special and I'm stoked that I get to continue being a part of that journey."
Preston has formed a dynamic partnership with Lachlan Galvin at Canterbury in 2026 | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Had Preston hit the market on November 1, he would have been among a host of big-name second-rowers available to clubs.
The North Sydney junior was expected to command a wealth of interest from rivals, having been in the frame for NSW State of Origin selection in recent years.
His right-edge combination with Lachlan Galvin has proven a key weapon in the Bulldogs' attack in 2026, with Preston having scored six tries this year and made 12 line breaks.
Preston's new contract leaves Matt Burton as the highest-profile Bulldog off contract at the end of next season, while representative prop Max King's deal also expires in 2027.
Jacob Preston is the type of player 'we can build the club around', says Bulldogs boss Phil Gould | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
"Jacob is a special player and an upstanding young man, who typifies what it means to be a Bulldog," Canterbury supremo Phil Gould said.
"He's the type of person we can build the club around and we couldn't be happier to lock him in until at least the end of 2031."
Preston's signature makes one piece of the second-row market clearer for 2028.
Liam Martin has put his negotiations with Penrith on hold until after their finals campaign, with the edge forward's management labelling talks on Tuesday as "productive".
Canberra have tabled Hudson Young a whopping deal believed to worth close to $1.1 million a year, but the second-rower is expected to test the market and talk with the PNG Chiefs.
Wests Tigers second-rower Samuela Fainu and North Queensland counterpart Jeremiah Nanai are among other second-rowers set to become free agents in November.
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