Farnworth: ‘We’ve got high hopes for this year’

Herbie Farnworth believes the 2025 Dolphins NRL squad has what it takes to “do something really good this year” and he plans to step up in a crucial part of his game.

“I’m obviously working super hard at my game. Probably a big focus of mine is my defence this year,” he explains.

“That’s one thing that we’re focusing on as a team, as a whole. It’s definitely somewhere that I’m going to step up in this season coming up.”

The exciting centre, known for electrifying attack, says Head Coach Kristian Woolf and the rest of the coaching staff have made it clear how important consistent and good defence will be if they want to play finals footy.

“That’s where you lose games … stats show it as well. If you keep teams below 18 points, you’re going to finish in that top four. That’s our aim for the year,” Farnworth says.

The 25-year-old, who was part of the Brisbane Broncos’ Grand Final team in 2023, can draw on that experience as the Dolphins chase a maiden finals berth in their third NRL season.

“It (2023) was massive, some of the best footy I’ve been a part of … (we) obviously fell short at the end. I’m sure this group can push on and hopefully win the thing,” Farnworth says.

“I obviously had a great year there (with the Broncos) in 2023. I like to think I’ve built on myself as a player last year and then leading into the England Test Series … (and will) hopefully push forward again for this year.

“We’ve got a great squad here at the Dolphins and a bunch of young lads who are willing to work really hard. I think we’re going to do something really good this year.”

He says belief in success is high among the group which has welcomed potent newcomers Daniel Saifiti, Junior Tupou, Max Feagai and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.

“We’ve got a really young group full of a lot of talent, a lot of lads willing to work super hard. We’ve got high hopes for this year,” Farnworth says.

“He (Junior Tupou) is a big boy. He was on the wrestle mats on Thursday throwing some boys around, so I’m pretty excited to see him this year in the comp and even in the trials coming up. I’m sure he’s going to have a great year.”

Another teammate he’s looking forward to seeing in action is Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.

“He’s another great athlete coming through. He’s been going through some big tackle sessions with Woolfie so I’m very excited to see him in round one.”