Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs back-rower Jacob Preston has declined a $1.9 million extension with the club as the Belmore-based side hopes to retain him before November 1.
The Daily Telegraph has reported seven clubs interested in the 24-year-old, including the Sydney Roosters, as discussions regarding an extension have hit a roadblock.
There were recent inklings that Preston was set to sign an extension to stay at Canterbury; however, the 24-year-old feels his deal needs to improve.
Discussions with the club have focused on a three-year deal, worth $600,000 per season. However, Preston does not like that figure and instead is seeking a deal for $800,00 per season.
For the Manly junior who found his first opportunity with the North Sydney Bears, he has made his preference to work on an extension with the Bulldogs. The current valuation for his services is below the mark.
The Bulldogs' 2023 Dr George Peponis Medal (Player of the Year) winner is seeking a four-year deal instead of the three years on the table.
Currently off-contract at the end of the 2027 season, Preston is free to talk to rivals from November 1.
There have been links between Preston and the Perth Bears, dating back to Mal Meninga publicly expressing his desire to sign the current Bulldogs player.
Two more clubs, the PNG Chiefs and the Gold Coast Titans, are also keeping an eye on the contract talks between Preston and the Bulldogs.
There are growing whispers that the Sydney Roosters are shaping up to be the "most serious threat."
Before he joined the Bulldogs, Preston was part of the Roosters' pathways, captaining their Jersey Flegg Under-21s side to the 2022 Grand Final and playing for the Bears, the Roosters' NSW Cup affiliate side.
Preston has also been considered for a spot in the NSW Blues Origin side in 2025 and 2026 and has maintained his level of play despite the changes in the Bulldogs' halves.
Preston's management and the Bulldogs will meet over the coming weeks to work out a deal to keep the star back-rower in Belmore.
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs hope to keep their finals chances alive when they play the St George Illawarra Dragons on Saturday night.
“Discussions with the club have focused on a three-year deal, worth $600,000 per season. However, Preston does not like that figure and instead is seeking a deal for $800,000 per season.” Meet in the middle and give $700,000 to Presto, please. If not, then one word: crap.