Hooker Kaawyn Patterson is pushing for an NRL debut in 2027 after Canterbury-Bankstown extended his contract through 2029.
A development deal next season precedes his NRL Top 30 promotion in 2028 and 2029.
In 2026, he captained SG Ball, earned its Player of the Year award and advanced to Jersey Flegg.
The under-21s reached the Grand Final, losing to Penrith, and finished with 14 wins and six losses.
He made three NSW Cup appearances, playing 45-plus minutes each time; two were wins, and he recorded a try, try assists and tackle breaks.
Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould praised Patterson's progress and leadership.
"Kaawyn has excelled in the pathways program and I have no doubt he will soon be playing at the NRL level. We are very excited about this young man," he said in a Bulldogs statement.
"Aside from his obvious football talent, Kaawyn has also displayed extraordinary leadership potential. We are lucky to have Kaawyn in the club."