LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
From the streets of Belmore to the bright lights of the NRL Finals, Jacob Kiraz's journey reads like a classic footy fairytale.
Back in the day, when the Bulldogs were making waves in the Grand Final, young Kiraz was just another fan in the stands, dreaming of one day running out onto the field with the big boys like Josh Morris, Josh Reynolds, and James Graham.
But fast forward a decade and that wide-eyed kid has now become a key player in the Bulldogs' backline, helping them break an eight-year drought and secure a spot in the NRL Finals for the first time since 2016.
It's like something out of a sporting movie, mate.
Kiraz's rugby league adventure kicked off when he was just a youngster watching the Rabbitohs outplay his beloved Bulldogs.
From there, he honed his skills with various clubs like the Dragons, Cowboys, and Knights before finally finding his way back to Belmore where it all began.
And let me tell you, he hasn't looked back since making his debut in Round 7 of the 2022 season.
Each game, Kiraz is proving himself as a force to be reckoned with, helping lift the Bulldogs from the bottom of the ladder to knocking on the door of the top-four.
It's a comeback story that even the most seasoned footy fans can appreciate.
So keep your eyes on Kiraz, folks, because this rising star is just getting started.