In his fourth season in the NRL, could Jacob Preston be in contention for a starting spot for New South Wales?

Making his debut in 2023, the 24-year-old has been a consistent member of the Bulldogs' forward pack as they've risen up the ladder under Cameron Ciraldo.

Preston played a starring role on Thursday night as the Dogs handed the Panthers their first loss of the season.

In his 80-minute performance, the second rower didn’t miss a single tackle whilst managing three line breaks, a try and running for 114 metres.

With his showing, it has seen increased calls for Preston to make his State of Origin debut this year after making last year's squad.

Especially with one of NSW's second row incumbents in Penrith's Liam Martin being under an injury cloud from the match.

But Chad Townsend still thinks that the Panthers’ second rower is still good enough to keep his spot for now.  

“I still think Liam Martin at his best is a starting back rower in the New South Wales team,” he said on SEN’s Kick Off.

“But last night, I mean, he’s hampered by a little bit of an injury (with) what looks to be a knee injury.

“He only ran for 28 metres, and his minutes were down as well. He only played 38 minutes or so. I don’t think it was a passing of the baton.

“Although I do really like what Preston is doing at the Dogs and has done for the last couple of years.”

The Bulldogs will look to continue their winning ways into Round 7 against the Parramatta Eels on April 19.

They’ll travel to CommBank Stadium with the match beginning from 4:05pm AEST.