The New South Wales rugby league selection conversation has taken an intriguing turn with Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs forward Jacob Preston mounting a compelling case for State of Origin selection. Despite the traditional dominance of established back-rowers Liam Martin and Angus Crichton in the Blues lineup, Preston’s exceptional early-season form has positioned him as a serious contender for the series commencing May 27.
Bulldogs head coach Cameron Ciraldo openly endorsed Preston’s representative credentials, expressing confidence that the 24-year-old is tracking toward an Origin debut. “I would like to think so,” Ciraldo stated when questioned about Preston’s selection prospects. “He was a rookie a couple of years ago, and all of a sudden he’s 19th man for Origin and went on a Kangaroos tour. The most impressive thing is he came back from that Kangaroos tour and took his training to another level.”
Preston’s rapid development has been remarkable. After earning selection in Laurie Daley’s NSW squad last year and subsequently representing Australia in the Kangaroos’ Ashes tour, the second-rower has returned with enhanced physicality and tactical awareness. His current partnership with young halfback Lachlan Galvin on Canterbury’s right edge has produced devastating effectiveness, combining powerful hole-running with defensive reliability that provides crucial protection for his playmakers.
Teammate Max King, who has represented both the Bulldogs and NSW, emphasized Preston’s value: “He’s exactly what you want at this club. He works hard, and what you see is what you get. He’s great for Lachie to have on that side because he’s someone who can keep an account of all that stuff.”
Beyond his on-field attributes, Preston has demonstrated significant personal growth. Previously characterized by extreme humility, he has begun displaying increased confidence and competitive flair—evidenced recently by his animated try celebration during Canterbury’s dramatic victory over the Raiders. Ciraldo noted this evolution: “He’s come out of his shell a little bit. He is very humble and one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet, but he’s developed that hard edge in his game now.”
With expanded interchange benches potentially creating additional selection opportunities, Preston could follow legendary Bulldogs forwards Andrew Ryan, Willie Mason, and Josh Jackson in representing NSW—a trajectory that would validate both his individual development and Canterbury’s ongoing club rebuild.