A decade after attending a memorable Bulldogs game, the once-12-year-old fan, Jacob Kiraz, is now an essential player for the team, helping them secure their first NRL Finals spot since 2016, ending an eight-year absence. Kiraz’s journey in professional rugby league started when he was selected for the Bulldogs’ U15s summer development squad. However, despite his early connection to the club, he soon found himself playing elsewhere for several years.
He spent time with the St George Illawarra Dragons, North Queensland Cowboys, and Newcastle Knights before finally returning to the Bulldogs in 2022. Making his debut in Round 7 of that season, Kiraz steadily improved and became a key contributor as the Bulldogs climbed from near the bottom of the NRL ladder to narrowly missing out on a top-four spot. His individual progress mirrored the team’s resurgence, culminating in his first appearance in the NRL Finals.
Ahead of his Finals debut, Kiraz reflected on the long-held dream he had as a child, growing up in Belmore and watching the Bulldogs in past finals. In an interview with *Zero Tackle*, he expressed his excitement and disbelief at how far he has come. “It’s kind of crazy,” he said, recalling how he had always aspired to be on the “big stage” as a professional player after watching the Bulldogs’ Grand Finals in 2012 and 2014.
He also mentioned the surreal experience of now being the player whom young fans look up to, just as he once admired the stars of his youth. Kiraz explained that he stays behind after games to connect with the younger fans, acknowledging how much those moments had meant to him when he was a child.
However, Kiraz’s participation in the upcoming Finals remains uncertain due to a shoulder injury he sustained in a recent game against the Gold Coast Titans, and he is awaiting scan results. Nonetheless, his journey to this point reflects determination and a deep connection to the club he grew up loving, with the promise of more success in the future.
