The lesson Nathan Cleary taught Jacob Preston on the Ashes

Jacob Preston is hoping to make his Kangaroos debut at the 2027 World Cup after his inclusion in the end-of-season Ashes tour.

In a massive season for the Bulldogs’ second-rower, Preston was rewarded with time in the Blues extended squad and wider Australian team, though he didn’t make his debut in either representative arena.

The benefit of going to England with some of the game’s best players is greatly felt by the star Bulldog, and won’t be lost on his team either, as the Bulldogs aim to stay in the top four and go deeper into finals.

The Bulldogs will need Preston to reclaim his damaging best if they are to make a serious push for their first grand final since 2014, and Preston is hopeful the lessons he learned from some of the game’s best players will allow him to make a significant impact in the 2026 season.

“When I got told that I was part of it, it was a very special moment,” Preston told SEN 1170 Sportsday.

“To go over on the tour and get the experiences that I had, it's something I'll hold close to me forever.

“I learned a lot on tour. I learned a lot from the players I was around, and it was very special.

“I feel like (I learned from) certain players, how much time they put into the extras part of their game post-training.

“Certain players include Nathan Cleary; he was always the last man on the field. Sometimes up to an hour more than most other players.

“So, just taking little stuff like that and then seeing how some of the older boys, especially Isaah Yeo, Harry Grant, how they kind of communicate and summarise sessions, and they're just taking little bits from everyone.

“It was very awesome and hopefully it elevates my game this year.

“Obviously, I didn't get the chance to actually wear the jersey. I'd love to make that happen, one day.

“(It’s) definitely extra motivation and that's only possible through going out and playing good footy for the Bulldogs and winning games for the Bulldogs.”

That goal for Preston begins when the Bulldogs kick off their season in Las Vegas.

The blue and white are expecting droves of fans for the game against the Dragons, where Cameron Ciraldo’s men will push for a return to the top four.

“I think the priority is exactly what you said, making sure we get over there and get the job done against the Dragons,” Preston said of the trip.

“It'll be an awesome experience. Obviously, everyone's very excited to get over there.

“We know we've got a lot of work to do between now and then post-Christmas in the preseason and we'll just take it, day by day, week by week, and make sure we improve every day.

“(I’m) really excited to, to kind of get over there and rip in.”