NRL 2025: Dolphins’ Dally M rookie of the year Jack Bostock turned down an Australian jersey to go on a family holiday

Dolphins star Jack Bostock has opened up on being named Dally M rookie of the year, how he’ll avoid second year syndrome and why he rejected a chance to represent Australia.

Rookie Dolphins sensation Jack Bostock has parked his Dally M glory and set his sights on delivering the Redcliffe club a maiden NRL finals berth after rejecting an opportunity to represent Australia.

Bostock reported for his first day of pre-season training on Friday as new coach Kristian Woolf put the Dolphins through a gruelling fitness test.

While fellow young gun Max Plath was the standout among the Dolphins, Bostock is plotting his own path ahead of 2025.

The rangy winger was crowned the NRL’s best rookie in 2024 following a 14-try season as the Dolphins went within a whisker of the play-offs.

Plath and Tigers playmaker Lachlan Galvin also produced strong rookie seasons but were ineligible for the award due to suspensions.

Dolphins star Jack Bostock has opened up on his first full season in the NRL, and how he’ll avoid a sophomore slump. Picture: Getty Images

Bostock is aware of the dreaded ‘second year syndrome’ which has seen many emerging talents stagnate after a breakout campaign and he is determined to not suffer a similar fate as he looks to build on a blossoming 27-game NRL career.

“It was a massive achievement and I was really happy to get that award,” Bostock said.

“It’s thanks to my family and all the boys and coaching staff for their help last year. I was on the end of a good backline which helped.

“I’ll take into account that I won it but I have to move on and try to build.

“It’s about training for now and not worrying about games. I’m just worrying about getting fit again and back in with the boys.

“Last year is gone. There’s no time for rookie of the year anymore, it’s time to move on and go better again in the second year.”

Jack Bostock. Picture: NRL Imagery

While Bostock established himself in the NRL this year, he won’t have a rails run at the Dolphins.

Tigers recruit Junior Tupou is now in the frame and will be pushing for a wing berth along with Kiwis Test gun Jamayne Isaako.

Bostock, 21, is looking to add some size to his stringy frame in a bid to help the Dolphins play finals for the first time in their third NRL season.

“That’s been the goal for a while now because I’m fairly skinny,” said Bostock, who is listed at 194cm and 97kg.

“I need to try and put on some size. It will come naturally as I grow up.

“I’ll work hard and try to put on size where I can but running around in the heat isn’t helping that.

New Dolphins recruit Junior Tupou will be pushing for Bostock’s starting wing spot. Picture: Getty Images

“A couple of kilos will help but I don’t want to put on too much weight that it becomes an issue.

“Everyone wants to be in the finals. That will be the main talking point this year.

“We need to start our season strong and keep building from that. The last two years has been a drop off in form heading into the finals.

“We need a strong back end. If we get everything together we’ll be there in the top eight at the end of the year.”

Bostock’s impressive season didn’t go unnoticed, with Prime Minister’s XIII coach Brad Fittler selecting him for the October clash against Papua New Guinea.

However Bostock opted to attend a long-booked family holiday instead.

“I had a big holiday booked with my family so it was a tough decision to say no,” he said.

“We’ve got to have some sort of life outside of footy and it didn’t work out.

“I got told a week before the holiday which was with all my family, cousins and family friends.

“Freddie (Fittler) was pretty understanding of that.

“Obviously one day I want to play rep footy, whether that’s for the Prime Minister’s or whoever it’s for.

“Everyone plays for the team acknowledgment and to also make those rep teams.

“One day down the track I’d like to play some rep footy.”

Originally published as NRL 2025: Dolphins’ Dally M rookie of the year Jack Bostock turned down an Australian jersey to go on a family holiday