Steelers SG Ball coach Glenn Buffolin has backed Jack Bostock to "take his opportunity with two hands" after the young gun was snapped up by NRL newbies the Dolphins on Tuesday.
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The promising centre had been linked with the Redcliffe-based club in recent weeks, with the deal starting from 2023. The Mercury understands that it's a three-year contract.
Bostock has been a part of St George Illawarra's junior development for the past few years and has impressed for the Steelers in this year's SG Ball competition. The teenager opened his 2022 account with an explosive three-try performance in their 28-16 victory over the Sharks, finishing the campaign with nine tries, as Buffolin's side reached the first week of finals.
Buffolin believes Bostock is now ready to make his mark at the Dolphins.
"It's a good opportunity. I think it will be a good eye opener for him and do him good to have a change of environment so he really gets to test himself," he said.
"He's energetic and he's very talkative, and a really enthusiastic kid. Last year, he was a year young [in SG Ball], so some of the bigger personalities outshone him. But this year he grew into a leader and took that role on really well. Physically, he's a massive human - he's six foot four or five, and over 100 kilograms already - so he's going to fill out as well.
"Not many people get these opportunities at a new franchise with possibly the best coach [Wayne Bennett] that's ever been. He's got a massive opportunity and would be mad to waste it."
Bostock's signing is bittersweet for Buffolin. While pleased to see him get that opportunity, it's also disappointing to see a promising Illawarra talent leave the region.
"I know 'Timmo' [Shaun Timmins] and that did their best to keep him, and got him into NRL training [at the Dragons] to try accelerate Jack's development and get him an early look at all. They did their best to keep him, but these players have got to come from somewhere," Buffolin said.
"It is a shame that they do leave, but sometimes it's for the best. And he's always a chance of going up there to learn, and then come back."
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Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
