The Dolphins are targeting Broncos centre Herbie Farnworth as Brisbane scramble to resign the talented youngster on a long-term deal, according to Nine rugby league reporter Ben Dobbin.
Speaking on Triple M’s Rush Hour with Leisel, Liam and Dobbo, Dubbon said Farnworth could be lured from the Broncos as five other clubs circle, including Wayne Bennett and his Dolphins.
“For so long Brisbane have looked at the next player coming through instead of what they’ve got,” Dobbin said.
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“They’ve got this young Deine Mariner, four tries for Manly on Sunday in the Hostplus Cup, and they’re like, ‘Oh, he’s the next centre’.
“No, Herbie Farnworth’s the centre at the moment and Herbie Farnworth’s off contract at the end of the year.”
Brisbane have held the services of Farnworth since he was 15 years old.
Dobbin said Farnworth’s manager told him that all the 21-year-old ever wanted to do was play for the Broncos.
However, there has always been a question mark over whether the club can afford to keep him.
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Dobbin says Farnworth’s deal with the Broncos totals around $400,000 a year, but the journalist believes he’s worth more.
“He’s a $700,000-$800,000 player,” Dobbin said.
“I believe it’s going to take some negotiations, but he wants to stay at Brisbane.
“They want him and rightly so. Why wouldn’t you want him?
“At the moment, Kotoni Staggs is playing right centre (for the Broncos), and he’s having to play left side, so there’s a lot to like.”
Dubbon said Farnworth had taken control of the discussion, putting his contract negotiations on hold before round one to allow his “football to do the talking”.
“The right people are telling me that they’re confident, but if you talk – there’s five clubs chasing him – to the Dolphins … They think they’re right in with a chance, as well,” Dobbin said.
“It’s going to be interesting.”
The Dolphins, based in the Brisbane suburb of Redcliffe, will play their inaugural NRL season in 2023.
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