SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 29: Jacob Preston of the Bulldogs celebrates scoring a try during the round four NRL match between Cronulla Sharks and Canterbury Bulldogs at Sharks Stadium, on March 29, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
Jacob Preston’s Lawyer Urges NRL to Address ‘Diving’ After Crusher Tackle Ban Ends Origin Hopes
Jacob Preston’s legal team has called on the NRL to take a firm stance against alleged diving tactics after the Canterbury Bulldogs forward was suspended for four matches — a decision that effectively ends his State of Origin ambitions for this season.
Preston was found guilty of a crusher tackle on Gold Coast’s Tino Fa’asuamaleaui during Tuesday night’s judiciary hearing, ruling him out of upcoming matches against Canberra, the Roosters, Dolphins, and Parramatta — all before the selection of the NSW squad for Origin II.
The penalty was especially frustrating for Preston as, without two prior offences this season, he would have faced only a fine. Instead, he’s now sidelined for a critical month in the Bulldogs’ campaign.
Following the verdict, Preston’s lawyer, Paul McGirr, expressed concerns about players exaggerating contact to win penalties, particularly in cases involving crusher tackles.
“I’m not saying this applies to Tino, but it’s clear some players are staying down to milk penalties,” McGirr said. “You see players acting like they’re seriously hurt, only to take multiple hit-ups a minute later.”
McGirr’s remarks follow a recent surge in sin-binnings for foul play, which has stirred debate around the game’s flow and consistency in officiating. Drawing comparisons to rugby union’s stop-start nature, McGirr said, “Fans are fed up. You even see players joking about it after matches.”
During the hearing, Preston said Canterbury had specifically trained to tackle Fa’asuamaleaui safely, knowing he often turns his back into contact. He explained that his arm got stuck under the Titans forward’s armpit, making it hard to disengage without risking further danger.
“I was doing everything I could to avoid putting him in a vulnerable position,” Preston said. “I was actively trying to shift my arm to the front of his body to avoid a crusher scenario.”
McGirr backed this by showing footage of Fa’asuamaleaui turning into contact repeatedly during the game. However, NRL counsel Lachlan Gyles argued that Preston had left the ground, increasing the force on Fa’asuamaleaui’s head, and questioned whether he genuinely attempted to release his grip.
Preston denied applying extra pressure, insisting any movement coincided with him losing balance. Despite his defence, the panel of Tony Puletua and Paul Simpkins quickly sided with the prosecution, taking under 15 minutes to reach their decision.
Preston now joins Sitili Tupouniua and Josh Curran on the Bulldogs’ suspension list ahead of their crucial clash with Canberra this weekend.
