Former Gulgong boy Josh Jackson, pictured above, made his NRL debut yesterday for the Canterbury Bulldogs.

The Mudgee Dragons junior was named on an extended bench by Des Hasler for their match against Melbourne Storm.

But Jackson was thrown into the game during the first half.

The Australian junior Kangaroos representative did not shy away from the Storm team, which included Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Ryan Hoffman.

Jackson made 15 tackles and ran the ball up eight times for 67 metres.

It was a successful debut for Jackson with his Bulldogs winning 20-4 against the competition leaders.

Jackson got his call-up to the NRL side after being a standout in the NSW Cup.