Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Jacob Preston Bulldogs speculation has been dismissed by Cameron Ciraldo, with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs coach insisting the injured second rower was “shocked” by reports linking him with a move away from the club.

Preston is sidelined with an arm injury and can test the open market from November 1, but Ciraldo said the 24-year-old has made his feelings clear before the Bulldogs’ Round 16 NRL clash with the Manly Sea Eagles. The situation matters because Preston is a key part of Canterbury-Bankstown’s forward pack and could attract interest if contract talks remain unsettled.

For more Round 16 NRL coverage, read Newcastle Knights vs St George Illawarra Dragons: Knights Rest Ponga as Round 16 Clash Headlines NRL Night, while official fixture details are available through the NRL draw page.

Ciraldo Backs Preston Commitment

A report earlier this month suggested Preston was keen to test his value and that the Bulldogs and his camp were apart on a new contract figure.

But Ciraldo told reporters Preston does not want to leave Canterbury-Bankstown.

“He loves being a Bulldog and being in our environment and he’s clear he wants to be a Bulldog a lot longer,” Ciraldo said.

“I don’t want to talk about Mal because that’s just footy and it’s a bit of a grey area.

“I was with Presto when the last story came out about him possibly leaving and he was as shocked as I was.

“He made it very clear that he didn’t know how it got in the paper and it didn’t come from him.

“He reiterated to me that he loves being at the Bulldogs, he loves this club and doesn’t want to go anywhere.”

Injury Updates At Canterbury-Bankstown

Ciraldo said Preston is a “50-50” chance to return next week against the Gold Coast Titans.

Viliame Kikau is expected to need longer in his recovery from a pectoral injury, with Round 20 viewed as the more likely return window.

Howarth Future Also In Focus

Melbourne Storm centre Jack Howarth could also be on the move despite being contracted until the end of 2027.

News Corp reports the Storm may let the 23-year-old leave at the end of this year if a suitable deal can be found. Billy Slater previously said Howarth had the “X-factor” to push for Queensland State of Origin selection.