LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a big win for the Canterbury Bulldogs, powerful outside back Jacob Kiraz has signed a contract extension that will see him stay with the club until the end of the 2027 season.
This move shows a great deal of faith in Kiraz, who had one year remaining on his previous deal and could have received offers from other clubs.
However, the 21-year-old has decided to stay loyal to his local team.
Although Kiraz's form dipped after a strong start to the 2023 season, he still managed to score six tries from 19 appearances.
Despite missing several games due to injury, he also made an impressive 69 tackle busts and had the fifth-most offloads in the NRL.
These statistics highlight his impact on the field and his potential for further improvement.
The Bulldogs' decision to secure Kiraz's long-term commitment is a significant boost for the team, especially after a disappointing 2023 campaign.
Under new coach Cameron Ciraldo, the Bulldogs won only seven games and had the worst defensive record in the league.
Kiraz's dedication to the club will undoubtedly provide a much-needed lift as they head into pre-season training.
Speaking about the contract extension, Bulldogs' general manager of football Phil Gould expressed his admiration for Kiraz's contributions.
He described the young player as one of the "shining lights" of the team in recent years and emphasized that the new contract is well-deserved.
With Kiraz's best years still ahead of him, the Bulldogs can look forward to his continued growth and impact on the field.
This re-signing is a significant step in the right direction for the club as they aim to improve their performance in the coming seasons.