Bulldogs coach slams leaks as Preston contract saga turns ugly

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has publicly called out those connected to Jacob Preston's camp, accusing them of leaking details of contract negotiations to the media at the worst possible time for the club.

Reports emerged this week claiming Preston was offended by what was described as a low-ball contract offer from the Bulldogs — a characterisation Ciraldo flatly rejected.

"We have a really good relationship. We talk every day and the words you just used are the furthest thing from the way he's talking and behaving with us," Ciraldo told reporters ahead of Friday night's clash with St George Illawarra.

The coach made clear his frustration, pointing to the club's motto as the standard he expects from everyone in the Preston circle. "It's written on the walls — club first, team second. When people associated with our players don't help with that situation, it's so frustrating. With our season on the line, it's disappointing that something like that has been leaked to the media."

The stakes are high. Rival clubs are legally entitled to approach Preston from November 1, meaning any damage to his relationship with Canterbury could cost the club its prized back-rower.

Despite back-to-back losses piling pressure on the Bulldogs, Ciraldo remains confident the side can rediscover its earlier-season form. "It was only a couple of weeks ago we'd won three in a row and everyone was pissing in our pockets. We've had a couple of lessons since then and I'd like to see us learn from them."

Elsewhere in the NRL, the Penrith Panthers stayed in the hunt for the minor premiership with a 22-4 win over Melbourne, though the result was overshadowed by a three-to-four match suspension for playmaker Jack Cogger following a high shot on Tyron May in the 58th minute. The Panthers played at various points with just eleven men on the field. Brian To'o crossed for a hat-trick to help Penrith hold on.

With Cogger sidelined, Blaze Tiatia is poised for an NRL recall a fortnight out from the finals.

The Dolphins, meanwhile, can lock in a top-four spot with a win over Parramatta at Suncorp Stadium, with former Origin star Jonathan Thurston tipping the Dolphins to go deep into September. "They've got arguably the best centre in the game and Herbie Farnworth causes a lot of havoc," Thurston said. "I think they can give it a good shake."

South Sydney confirmed Campbell Graham trained with the squad but star fullback Latrell Mitchell has ruled himself out for another week, taking a cautious approach to his recovery.