Paul Gallen, the former NSW captain turned media analyst, has thrown his weight behind Jacob Preston as a genuine prospect for the state's 2026 Origin campaign. The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs second-rower, now firmly established in the club's forward pack, has done enough to warrant serious consideration for the Blues, according to Gallen's assessment.
Preston's pathway to rep footy has been steadily building. The 24-year-old Australian professional rugby league footballer plays as a second-rower for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the NRL. After establishing himself in first grade and proving his durability across recent seasons, he has become a recognised performer at club level. Preston played 22 games for Canterbury in the 2025 NRL season as the club finished fourth and qualified for the finals.
His trajectory within NSW circles has also been building. Following a strong season that saw him selected for the Australian Kangaroos' Ashes squad, Preston has developed into one of the competition's strike back rowers and, after joining the side's extended squad throughout the 2025 State of Origin series, has his sights on a NSW Blues jersey.
Gallen's endorsement carries considerable weight in the rugby league conversation. The former Sharks captain transitioned into television commentary after his 2019 retirement, primarily with the Nine Network, where he serves as an NRL analyst and regular panelist on programs including Sunday Footy Show and 100% Footy, and his contributions extend to live game coverage and pre-and post-match analysis. His credentials are unassailable: he captained the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the NRL to their maiden NRL Premiership in 2016 and is a former captain and representative of the New South Wales State of Origin team.
For Preston, the push towards Origin selection comes at a critical juncture in his career development. The Bulldogs have strengthened their forward pack with experienced recruits, but Preston's consistency and growth have positioned him as a valuable option for NSW selectors. With the 2026 Origin series approaching, the prospect of a first representative call could be within reach for the North Shore-raised forward.
Preston's emergence as a contender reflects the depth of talent working its way through the NRL. Whether Gallen's backing translates into a Blues jersey will depend on sustained form and fitness over the coming weeks, but the message from the experienced analyst is clear: the young Bulldog belongs in the conversation.