Reunited with Wayne Bennett and feeling fit after niggling injuries ruled him out of England duty, Herbie Farnworth is looking forward to a big year ahead with the Dolphins.
As he was put through his paces on his first official day of pre-season training under Bennett, Farnworth looked fit and right at home in his new training kit after a nine-week break since October's grand final.
“I came on the Friday did all the testing and all the boys here are really super keen for the year,” Farnworth said. “I'm just glad to be back training.”
Signed by Bennett to play for the Broncos as a teenager, Farnworth never got the chance to play under the seven times premiership winning coach but the pair are now back together at the Dolphins.
The 23-year-old, who was also formerly part of Manchester United’s junior development system, said he was excited to be learning again from Bennett, no matter which position he plays - be it in the centres or at fullback.
“It's really cool, he signed me on my first deal at the Broncos," Farnworth said. "I think it was Wayne's first day as well today … but he was on the field loving it, so it was pretty cool to be back with him.
“I'm just happy for wherever Wayne sees me, I'll play. I'm just pretty keen to get back playing and training hard.”
With Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow starring at fullback for the Dolphins last season, it’s most likely that Farnworth will remain in the centres, where he has excelled for the Broncos and England.
Farnworth said the fresh start was a chance to put last season's grand final loss to Penrith and missing England's Test series against Tonga behind him as he focusses on helping Brisbane's cross-town rivals achieve success.
“Oh, it was super tough, obviously anyone who's lost a grand final, it's definitely tough to get over it, especially in the way that we did,” Farnworth said.
“But I'm pretty keen just to move on now and start working hard for this club and hopefully can bring something back here in the next year or two.
“[This past year] I saw some really good signs early on at this club and we have some good quality older players as well as younger players coming through, so it's all looking very good for this year.”
Farnworth hits the training field on his first day as a Dolphin
However, Farnworth said there was plenty of work for him to do to improve his game, although he remained tight lipped about exactly what he was focusing on.
“I've got a lot of things to improve on; had a little look at last season and stuff I can do better,” Farnworth said.
“I won’t share fully because I don't want to give away anything, but it'll be a good year this year.
“[I am tough on myself], I am for sure, but I think that's the best way to be really.”
