St George Illawarra intend to make a play for Jack Bostock if the Kangaroos debutant reaches free agency on November 1, according to sources not authorised to speak publicly.
Bostock, a Blues and Australia outside back, is one of 11 Australian stars who will become off contract if they do not re-sign with their incumbent clubs before the end of this month. The 24-year-old's stocks have risen after a strong season for the Dolphins, which included a State of Origin debut and a preliminary final appearance, and he has been named to make his international debut on the wing in Thursday's World Cup opener against New Zealand in Sydney.
The Dragons are seeking to sign a marquee outside back for 2028 and Bostock will be a priority if he becomes available, sources said. Bostock came through the Red V's lower grades, playing junior reps for the Illawarra Steelers, and the Dragons have made it clear they want to keep their best juniors, including luring one back to their Wollongong training base.
The Dolphins are desperate to retain Bostock but are also trying to sign fellow centre Herbie Farnworth to a new deal. Farnworth, an England international, will also be a free agent if he does not recommit before November 1 and has been heavily linked with the Roosters.
St George Illawarra have little salary cap space for next year after a spending spree that brought in Keaon Koloamatangi, Scott Drinkwater, Connor Watson, Luke Metcalf, Kodi Nikorima and Phillip Sami. However, they are expected to have room to move for 2028, with Clint Gutherson, Valentine Holmes, Moses Suli and Kyle Flanagan all unlikely to be re-signed.
Bostock said he was unsure whether he would make a call on his future before November 1. "It's still getting figured out now with my manager and the Dolphins," he said, adding that being in Kangaroos camp did not help the cause.