‘We’re a strong team and can make finals’

Image courtesy of NRL Imagery/Dolphins NRL

Dolphins NRL centre Herbie Farnworth is hoping to re-boot his try-scoring streak against South Sydney at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night, as his side looks for a win to keep their finals hopes alive.

“I’m always happy to score, so if we can get it going again this week, I’ll be happy,” he told the media after training yesterday.

The squad appeared upbeat and focused during the session despite a rising injury list, which now includes winger Jack Bostock.

He is the fourth key player ruled out for the season, after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during last weekend’s 26-20 loss to the Newcastle Knights.

He joins Captain Tom Gilbert (pectoral muscle), Daniel Saifiti (shoulder) and Max Plath (ACL) on the sideline. Tom Flegler remains out with a nerve injury to his shoulder.

Josh Kerr is expected to return for the game against the Rabbitohs and while the Dolphins weren’t expecting Felise Kaufusi to be in the team this week due to suspension, an injury to his medial ligament and subsequent surgery will see him sidelined until round 22.

Farnworth, 25, is disappointed for backline partner Bostock whose game has continued to improve since winning NRL Rookie of the Year last year.

“It didn’t look great, when he did it (ACL). He’s had a great year so far and, knowing Jack, he’s going to bounce back even better but it’s very sad news,” Farnworth said.

“I rang him last night, when he got his scans (results). He’s actually handling it far better than anyone thought. He’s a very tough kid and he’s going to bounce back hard next year.

“It’s just super sad news … scoring four tries the week before and (then) to do that injury (the next week). It’s a tough one for us boys and the coach too.”

Junior Tupou has been named to replace Bostock on the wing for this weekend’s game against the Rabbitohs.

“It’s going to be a tough game for us but, going into the bye, it’s a massive one for us this week,” Farnworth said.

“They (South Sydney) had a great game against Melbourne ... just pipped there in the last minute. (Alex) Johnston scored four tries which shows they’ve got a real fire on their left edge. Obviously Latrell (Mitchell) had a really strong game too.”

While the Dolphins may appear depleted, players in the extended squad have stepped and impressed.

“We’ve still got some tough middles there, obviously, Kurt (Donoghoe) has come in as well. He’s been very, very good for us,” Farnworth said.

“It’s given those boys who weren’t in the first team, at the start of the year, a real good shot. Kerr’s come in and done a great job too. Having him back this week will be big.”

Farnworth said the team’s goal to make the finals this year – only their third in the competition – is still within reach.

“What we’ve been doing on the field the past four games … we didn’t get the two points against the Knights but to play the way we have against the Cows and the Doggies and Dragons shows we’re a strong team and can make finals. It’s a simple as that, really,” he said.

The Dolphins play South Sydney at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night (7.50pm) after the Broncos face the Warriors (3pm) at the same venue.

The stadium will be cleared after the Broncos’ game and reopened to those with tickets for the Dolphins’ game.

To buy tickets, visit the website.