‘Not set in stone’: Bostock sets record straight about Sydney return

St George Illawarra and Cronulla target Jack Bostock will meet with his management this week to weigh up his options, and he has not ruled out extending his stay at the Dolphins.

One of 11 Kangaroos now free to accept offers from rival clubs, Bostock is doing everything possible to drive up his price following another three tries for Australia in their 66-6 thrashing of the Cook Islands on Saturday night.

Arguably the best winger in the game but someone who wants to play centre in the NRL, Bostock has been heavily linked with the Dragons, along with the Sharks and even Parramatta, who are also chasing fellow Kangaroo Bradman Best.

Depending on what happens to Dolphins centre and primary Roosters target Herbie Farnworth, the Illawarra junior could even pop up on the radar of the NRL premiers.

When asked about relocating back home, Bostock said: “It’s definitely not 100 per cent set in stone [that] I’m coming to Sydney. I’m not sure where that’s come from.

“I spoke to the Dolphins a couple of weeks ago and said I wanted to see my options and what I could do.

“It’s not set in stone I’m leaving the Dolphins. It’s a matter of going through the process. It’s hard to do while you’re in here because the task at hand is winning the World Cup.

“Once I can sort out a time with my manager, we’ll sit down during the week, or have a phone call, and start figuring out what we’re going to do.

“We can see how many players are coming off on November 1. It’s been a running joke in camp about who is going where and what’s going to happen.”

Kangaroos fullback Reece Walsh urged Bostock to come to the Broncos, especially now the club has signed Peter O’Sullivan, the recruitment chief who brought Bostock to the Dolphins.

Bostock, who also made his NSW Origin debut this year, is in line to earn as much as $900,000 a season.

“What is he, 23?,” Walsh asked.

“He’s hardworking, can play many positions, and you can see he’s still growing into his body.

“He’s an awesome talent who works really hard. He knows when to flick the switch, work hard at training, but he’s also a character off the field and has a laugh.

“It’s interesting to see all the [contract] yarns getting thrown around; obviously there have been jokes and a bit of chat here and there, but I don’t think it’s hindered anyone’s training or connection or their presence in [Kangaroos] camp.”

Some of the game’s biggest names are officially ready to open negotiations for 2028, none more so than Nathan Cleary. The Penrith playmaker, however, is expected to extend his stay with the club.

Sam Walker’s contract talks broke down with the Sydney Roosters, and he has been linked to Canterbury, especially if Matt Burton takes up a lucrative offer with Perth, whose coach Mal Meninga is eager to work with the five-eighth.

Hudson Young is tipped to tour the PNG Chiefs’ Port Moresby base in the coming weeks now that his own extension offer with Canberra was officially spiked, while Harry Grant and Cameron Munster are prepared to test their worth before deciding whether they recommit to the Melbourne Storm.

Meanwhile, Bostock’s hat-trick means he still trails Tom Trbojevic by one try in this tournament, as the Manly star also bagged another treble in Townsville.

“He’s got me, hasn’t he? It would be silly to have a wager now; we haven’t had a bet, but he can score all of them, as long as we’re winning,” Bostock said.

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