The Canterbury Bulldogs have confirmed a long-term contract extension for star second-rower Jacob Preston, taking one of the best forwards in the game off the open market months out from November 1.
Preston has been in talks with the Bulldogs for much of the year, with a stalemate developing between the club and the forward earlier this year.
At one stage, it appeared he was likely of arriving on November 1 without a new deal, with there believed to be a large gap in expected value between the club and star.
Those difference have since been reconciled, and despite Canterbury's stretched salary cap, Preston has put pen to paper on a new deal through to the end of 2031, believed to be on significantly upgraded money.
“I'm so happy to have locked in my long-term future at the Club,” Preston said in a statement announcing his new contract.
"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.”
The Bulldog, who joined the club prior to his debut from the Sydney Roosters, has played 78 NRL games and is expected to feature in the Australian Kangaroos squad for the Rugby League World Cup at the end of the year.
He spent time in the extended Kangaroos and NSW Blues squads over the last year, and could well have debuted at Origin level this year if injury didn't strike him down at a crucial time of year.
"Jacob is a special player and an upstanding young man, who typifies what it means to be a Bulldog,” 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 has played 78 NRL games for the club, and the new deal, ensuring another five full seasons in blue and white, could take him towards the 200 mark provided he remains fit for the bulk of it.
Preston debuted back in 2023, winning the club's rookie of the year and member's player of the year, and hasn't taken a backward step since.
The forward forms one of the most damaging second-row combinations in the game with Viliame Kikau, although his new deal could leave questions over the future of other players off-contract at the end of 2027, led by Matt Burton.
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