Jacob Preston will be heading to NRL free agency on November 1 after re-signing negotiations with Canterbury stalled out over money. As many as seven NRL clubs are already preparing signing packages, The Sporting Base understands, should things stay the same through to season’s end.
The 24-year-old is signed with the Bulldogs for 2027 but will be free to speak to rivals from November about a 2028 and beyond deal. That firmly puts Perth and Papua New Guinea in the frame for his signature, though they’ll face staunch opposition from most clubs.
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Preston is widely regarded as one of the best second rowers in the NRL and was in the frame for a State of Origin debut (he would have played for New South Wales) before fracturing his forearm in Round 12. He will now miss the entire 2026 Origin series, but will likely be involved in the team well into his playing future.
So, it would sting the Bulldogs quite a lot should he walk away — but now that sounds like it’s bound to happen.
Preston has been earning around $500,000 a season on his current Bulldogs deal and had hoped that Canterbury’s chiefs would give him a pay rise to match his standing in the game, but with so many other free agents hitting the market, too, the club has been cagey about a big hike.
Reports suggest the two parties are “miles off” and are unlikely to be solved.
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Even worse, Preston has been very happy at the Bulldogs and wanted to stay, but doesn’t want to short change himself just to play for a club he likes. He also believes that he’s worth at least as much as his second row partner, Viliame Kikau, who just re-signed on $800,000 a season.
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Bulldogs football boss Gould has held talks with Preston’s management and previously indicated his interest in keeping the forward for an extended term at Belmore. With this cash split, however, it’s a whole lot more likely Preston goes after big money at Perth or Papua New Guinea — the latter is armed with tax-free dollars — while cashed-up rebuilding clubs like St George Illawarra and Cronulla will likely lead the approach.
Preston debuted for the Bulldogs in 2023 and has since played 71 games.
