A Rising Star in the Spotlight
Jacob Preston has long dreamed of representing NSW and Australia, and with Liam Martin’s potential absence due to a knee injury, the opportunity is starting to look more promising for the Bulldogs back-rower. Martin sustained an MCL injury during Thursday night’s game against the Bulldogs, and reports suggest he could miss six to eight weeks. With the Origin opener on May 27 just over six weeks away, it seems unlikely that Martin will be ready to play even if he returns at the earliest possible time.
This situation presents a significant challenge for Blues coach Laurie Daley, who has relied on Martin’s experience and consistency over the years. However, the team is not short of options, with Preston, Hudson Young, and Haumole Olakau’atu all performing exceptionally well this season.
Preston, who has been a standout performer for Canterbury since his NRL debut in 2023, has been particularly impressive in recent games. His performance in the Bulldogs’ shock win over Penrith was especially notable, as he scored a try and set up another with his hole-running ability. This form has not gone unnoticed by rep coaches, who have included him in the Australian squad for last year’s Ashes series.
The Journey to Representation
For Preston, the chance to wear the rep jerseys has always been a dream. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do ever since I was a little kid,” he said. “All I can do is take it week by week playing good football for the Bulldogs. As long as we’re winning games, we’ll be in contention for those spots, and a lot of other boys will be too.”
Preston’s journey to this point has been marked by hard work and dedication. He trained with the Blues in Leura last year, but a debut has yet to come. Despite this, he remains focused on his performance for the Bulldogs, believing that consistent play will open the door to higher honors.
Lessons from the Ashes Series
Preston’s inclusion in the Australian squad for the Ashes series was a significant milestone in his career. “I learnt so much from that tour. It was a great experience, and I have heaps of lifelong memories I’ll cherish forever,” he shared. “I want to put on those (rep) jerseys. I just took what I learnt from all the elite players I was around, implemented it into my training, and hopefully it keeps showing on the field.”
The experience taught him about the level of accountability and training required at the highest level. “It wasn’t necessarily a single person who really helped me. It was more so the level they train at and the accountability they hold themselves to. I think that’s the two main things I took from the tour, and I’m just trying to bring that back to the Bulldogs in my own training.”
Support from Legends and Teammates
Preston has also benefited from the guidance of Bulldogs legend Josh Jackson, who has helped him in training over the past few years. Jackson’s insights into what it takes to succeed at the top level have been invaluable. Additionally, his partnership with halfback Lachlan Galvin has been a key factor in his development.
Galvin had his best game for the club last week, and the synergy between the two players is evident. “He was outstanding,” Preston said. “He’s been doing it at training, it’s coming out on the field, and as long as he keeps going after it, I’m sure there are going to be plenty more performances like that. We’ve had a pre-season to kind of work on our combinations and learn each other’s little intricacies. It’s only going to continue to build.”
Confidence and Expression
Preston’s form this season has coincided with a newfound confidence, which has allowed him to express himself more on the field. His antics, such as poking his tongue out after crucial tries against Canberra and Penrith, have become a talking point among fans. “To be honest, I don’t even know where it comes from, so it just kind of happens,” he laughed. “I don’t even mean to do it, so I probably should stop doing it.”
