Brief

Dragons eye Jack Bostock if he becomes free agent after November 1

The Dragons will make a play for the Dolphins star if his contract expires on Nov 1, while the Dolphins aim to retain him.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 13 Oct 2026 13:48:30 GMT

St George Illawarra Dragons intend to make a play for Kangaroos winger Jack Bostock if the 24‑year‑old becomes a free agent on Nov 1, SMH reported on Oct 13.

What happened

Bostock, a Dolphins centre who debuted for the Kangaroos in the World Cup opener against New Zealand, is one of 11 Australian stars whose contracts expire at the end of October unless they re‑sign. The Dragons, who have limited salary‑cap space after a recent spending spree, see Bostock as a marquee outside back for 2028. Sources close to the club said the team will prioritise him if he is available.

What the reports add

The article notes that the Dolphins are also trying to lock up fellow centre Herbie Farnworth, who faces the same free‑agency deadline. It adds that the Dragons have already secured several high‑profile signings – Keaon Koloamatangi, Scott Drinkwater, Connor Watson, Luke Metcalf, Kodi Nikorima and Phillip Sami – but expect room to move for 2028 because key players such as Clint Gutherson, Valentine Holmes, Moses Suli and Kyle Flanagan are unlikely to be re‑signed.

What was said

"It’s still getting figured out now with my manager and the Dolphins," Bostock told SMH. "Obviously being in here [Kangaroos camp] doesn’t help the cause, but my manager’s on to it all, so whatever happens we’ll finalise soon." He added that his time at the Kangaroos camp makes contract talks harder because he cannot meet with the Dolphins directly. When asked if he prefers to stay in Brisbane, Bostock replied, "I’m not too sure just yet, but I definitely do want to chat to the Dolphins and get that all rolling." He also said the contract situation is not a distraction from his World Cup focus.

How it came about

Bostock’s rise this season – a State of Origin debut, a strong Dolphins campaign and a World Cup test appearance – has increased his market value. Felo previously covered his desire to stay with the Dolphins in a Sep 21 article, noting his wish to re‑sign after a breakthrough season. The current free‑agency window puts pressure on both the Dolphins and the Dragons as they plan their 2028 rosters.

Key facts

Jack Bostock's contract expires on Nov 1, 2026 (smh.com.au)
St George Illawarra Dragons intend to pursue him if he becomes a free agent (smh.com.au)
Bostock is set to make his Kangaroos test debut against New Zealand in the World Cup opener (smh.com.au)
The Dolphins are also trying to retain centre Herbie Farnworth before the same deadline (smh.com.au)
Dragons have limited cap space after recent signings but expect room for 2028 (smh.com.au)