Hey Presto: Cameron Ciraldo backs Jacob Preston to make State of Origin debut

Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo “would like to think” that star second-rower Jacob Preston makes his State of Origin debut in a few weeks’ time after going close last year when he was part of both the NSW and Australian squads.

Talking about Origin in March is usually a serious crime, but it’s basically April already, which means we have the green light to talk up certain players.

And Preston’s form warrants the early hype given the 24-year-old has started the season on fire and has provided a real punch on the right edge playing outside young halfback Lachlan Galvin.

His ability to hit a hole and also be a defensive bodyguard makes him the perfect edge forward for halves to play alongside, and his coach wants to see him rewarded when the Origin series kicks off on May 27.

Preston was part of Laurie Daley’s NSW squad last year and also flew to the UK after earning Kangaroos selection for the Ashes.

“I would like to think so,” Ciraldo replied when asked if Preston was on track for an Origin debut.

“We just spoke about the journey (the team has gone through) over the past few years, and ‘Presto’ has probably been the face of that journey.

“He was a rookie a couple of years ago, and all of a sudden he’s 19th man for Origin and went on a Kangaroos tour.

“The most impressive thing is he came back from that Kangaroos tour and took his training to another level, so if he continues with that attitude, then he’s going to be in those sorts of arenas.”

Liam Martin and Angus Crichton have been the dominant back-rowers for several years and have just about been automatic selections for the Blues.

But with expanded benches, Preston could easily find himself in the NSW side this year and follow in the footsteps of Bulldogs heroes Andrew Ryan, Willie Mason and Josh Jackson who starred for the Blues.

“He’s exactly what you want at this club. He works hard, and what you see is what you get,” Bulldogs and Blues prop Max King said.

“He’s great for Lachie to have on that side because he’s someone who can keep an account of all that stuff.

“When we talk about having the Bulldogs DNA and having the privilege to play with Josh Jackson and the likes of that, it’s great to see Presto rewarded for these types of teams.

“He’s got a bright future ahead, and I hope he’s debuting for NSW and Australia and gets compared to the likes of Josh Jackson and Bulldogs greats in the future.”

Preston is in his fourth season in the NRL and is starting to impose himself on the game, with the humble young man “coming out of his shell”.

That was perfectly illustrated a few weeks ago when he stuck his tongue out to celebrate a crucial try in his side’s thrilling win over the Raiders.

“He’s come out of his shell a little bit,” Ciraldo said.

“He is very humble and one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet, but he’s developed that hard edge in his game now.

“The way that he trains and the way that he prepares shows that he’s moving towards that elite category of player. We’re really excited that he’s someone we can build our club around.”