Dolphins land big fish with Farnworth leaving Broncos in 2024

The Dolphins have landed their biggest fish in the club’s short NRL history, signing Broncos star Herbie Farnworth to a three-year deal from 2024. The Redcliffe-based team tried to sign Farnworth in 2022 before he penned a one-year extension for 2023 with the Broncos.

Farnworth appears to be the Dolphins’ long-term solution to their fullback problem, despite signing Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and former Broncos fullbacks Jamayne Isaako and Tesi Niu. The Englishman has aspired to be a fullback since his junior years, with Reece Walsh becoming his most recent competitor at the Broncos.

Farnworth also looks to be a key part of the spine combination the club is looking to build. He will likely join Jeremy Marshall-King, Sean O’Sullivan, and Isaiya Katoa, who reportedly trained in place of Anthony Milford on Friday.

Farnworth had an incredible season for the Broncos in 2022 despite suffering a bicep injury that saw him ruled out for a significant chunk of the year. In 12 matches he was a part of nine wins, scoring 10 tries, recording two try assists, and running for 135m per game.

Farnworth was also a key component of the English team that surpassed the expectations of many during the 2022 Rugby League World Cup. In four matches, Farnworth scored three tries with a whopping 17 tackle breaks, four line-break assists, two try assists and over 160m per game.

The signing is a huge win for head coach Wayne Bennett and the Dolphins, with CEO Terry Reader stating just how long the team had been targeting Farnworth as well as how excited the club is to have him.

“There is no doubt that Herbie has been on our radar right from the very moment we started recruiting for this club at the end of 2021,” he said.

“We made a big play to get him for 2023 and just missed out, so to now secure him on a long-term deal is a huge win for our club.

“Herbie showed what a great player he can be in the NRL for the Broncos last year before injury hampered him.

“To see him bounce back from that biceps injury at the end of last year and demonstrate what a world-class performer he is was amazing.

“We are so excited about what he will do in Dolphins’ colours.”

Farnworth has been a part of the Broncos system from his youth, having been spotted by the club and leaving for Australia from Ermysted’s Grammar School in Skipton, north-east of Leeds, in the UK. With his departure, it is yet to be seen what Broncos coach Kevin Walters will do with his side for the 2023 season.

The Broncos have several promising outside backs coming through their system. Deine Mariner and Delouise Hoeter have impressed on multiple occasions for the club, with Ethan Quai-Ward turning many heads in the 2023 pre-season trials.

Farnworth’s departure could even see up-and-coming star Selwyn Cobbo moved into the centres, following in the footsteps of players such as Greg Inglis and Latrell Mitchell. This could also present an opportunity for Jordan Pereira to lock down a full-time role in the NRL, something he has battled with since making his debut with the Dragons in 2018.

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