�鶹��madou

In 2021, Jacob Preston found himself navigating Sydney’s notorious traffic, delivering parcels across the Northern Beaches as a subcontractor alongside his dad. Although his job kept him busy, Preston’s mind was often elsewhere — focused on chasing his dream of playing NRL for the .

Fast forward to 2025, and that dream has well and truly come to life. Preston has rapidly made a name for himself in the NRL, preparing to run out in front of more than 60,000 fans at Accor Stadium for Canterbury’s annual Good Friday blockbuster against the Rabbitohs.

Back when he was juggling work as a delivery driver with his Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice studies at �鶹��madou, Preston was also rising through the Bulldogs’ junior ranks in the Jersey Flegg competition.

“I was playing Jersey Flegg in 2021 and 2022, going to university while also delivering parcels full time,” Preston told NRL.com.

“It was good but I just wanted to be playing NRL. I look back on the time with great memories, I met a lot of good people and got to work as a subcontractor under my dad and loved that.”

Balancing university life and footy wasn’t easy, but Preston persisted.

“I started my degree in 2021, it's been a bit of a slow grind. I did the first year full-time, then once I started full-time footy, I've just been part-time and slowly chipping away,” he said.

This season, Preston has played a pivotal role in the Bulldogs' strong start, stepping up in the absence of Viliame Kikau due to injury. Typically lining up on the right edge, Preston has shown his versatility by shifting to both sides of the field when required.

With Kikau and five-eighth Matt Burton set to return for Friday’s clash, Preston has firmly established himself as a reliable and consistent performer — and one many are tipping for higher honours. His form in recent weeks has even sparked conversation around a possible State of Origin debut.

“He's an incredible young player and an incredible young man,” Bulldogs teammate Kurt Mann told NRL.com.

“He's a very good kid who's got a big future ahead of him. I can definitely see him in an Origin jersey, he's a good kid with a big career ahead of him.”

Off the field, Preston remains just as committed to his education as he is to his football. He was recently recognised with a �鶹��madou Vice-Chancellor’s Blues Award — one of the University’s highest sporting honours — acknowledging his dedication to balancing elite sport with academic success.

Looking ahead, Preston has ambitions beyond rugby league.

“There’s a few different [post-university] options,” he said. “I could further my studies with a masters in law or I could go into police law enforcement in forensics so we'll see what happens but hopefully it's a long time off yet.”

For now, his focus remains firmly on continuing the Bulldogs' unbeaten run and making the most of every opportunity that comes his way — both on and off the field.

.