Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has defiantly hit back at reports star second-rower Jacob Preston wants to leave the club.
One of the Bulldogs' best, Preston's contract runs until the end of the 2027 season, meaning he is free to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1 this year, unless he signs a contract extension with the club before that date.
The Bulldogs have already tabled an offer to the 24-year-old, but according to his agent Wayde Rushton, the figure offered was "unacceptable".
While admitting Preston would love to stay at the club, his agent conceded that the parties are currently too far apart to reach a deal.
Ciraldo isn't buying it, though, and believes the second-rower will ink a new deal with the club he made his debut for.
"I've got no worries about Jacob not being here," Ciraldo told the media.
"He was in my office yesterday telling me how much he loves being here, how much he's committed to the Bulldogs and how much he loves playing with our playing group.
"So it's probably a case of don't believe everything you read in the media, no offence. He cares so much about his team and the club and the way we play, and he's just starting his journey.
"I know he's been playing for four years, but he's still below that 100-game mark, and he's just understanding what it takes to become a leader of a team and a club.
"He's going to get there, and he's going to get there here, I'm very confident of that."
Having made his debut in 2023, Preston has already come agonisingly close to making his State of Origin debut and is firmly in the mix to being called up for the Australian squad for this year's Rugby League World Cup.
As for potential suitors, the Sydney Roosters and Perth Bears are reportedly interested in his services and will be closely monitoring the situation.
Preston isn't the only big name set to hit the open market, with Mitchell Woods, Matt Burton and Max King all able to negotiate with rivals from November 1.
