Young guns elevated to top 30

Two young players have been rewarded for fantastic pre-season showings by being upgraded into the Dolphins NRL squad for the 2023 season.

NRL debutant Kurt Donoghoe and Jack Bostock have impressed with their work ethic at training and backed that up through the Dolphins’ pre-season trials to earn full-time NRL contracts.

Donoghoe has come from the clouds to earn his NRL debut in the club’s inaugural game against the Roosters this Sunday after joining the Dolphins on a three-month pre-season agreement in November.

The 21-year-old was a member of the train-and-trial player allocation as part of the Dolphins’ affiliate club arrangement with the Rockhampton-based Central Capras.

A former Newcastle player who was part of the Knights’ run to the NSW under-21s Jersey Flegg competition Grand Final last year, the utility now gets his shot in the senior squad.

Bostock was signed on a three-year deal as a Development Squad player for 2023 but has now been upgraded into the main squad.

A 19-year-old outside back, Bostock was signed from the Dragons to the inaugural Dolphins squad after representing NSW under-19s last year.

Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader said the pair had earned their elevation into the top group for the club’s inaugural season.

“This is exactly why we have a pre-season and follow that with trial games – to develop and gauge the talent in our extended squads,” said Reader.

“Jack was a player we identified early and gave him the opportunity to come to Queensland to chase his NRL dream.

“Kurt came here as part of the affiliate club pathway with the Central Capras, and he has turned that opportunity into a full-time NRL contract and now an NRL debut.

“We congratulate Jack and Kurt on their efforts – their positions in the top 30 squad have been well deserved.”

The Dolphins now turn their focus to round 1 of the NRL where they will host the Roosters in a celebration of the late Arthur Beetson.