Dolphins lock in ‘elite’ Herbie until 2027

The Dolphins have secured one of the most-prized signatures in the rugby league world after locking in gun centre Herbie Farnworth until the end of the 2027 NRL season.

Farnworth has added another year to his current deal after signing a contract extension last night before jumping on a plane to his native country of England.

It is a huge play by Farnworth, who will now get ready to take on the Kangaroos in a three-Test series in the UK.

But the 25-year-old said upon considering his future, signing for the Dolphins was a simple call.

“This was an easy decision for me as I did not see myself going anywhere else,” he said.

 "When I look at the roster the club has built for the Dolphins, I am so excited about what this team can achieve in the next couple of seasons.

“I believe we have the team to go with any other in the NRL and I can’t wait to see what we can do.”

Farnworth was already signed for the Dolphins for 2026, and his extension means he will not come on the open market on November 1.

Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader said Farnworth had demonstrated he was an elite player in the NRL and showed how important he was to the team.

“This is a huge announcement for us as Herbie is simply one of the best players in the game,” said Reader.

“I’ve got no doubt if he had finished the season off with us rather than getting injured, the Dolphins would have made the NRL finals.

“After three years of work on our recruitment strategy, we are really excited about the roster we have created for the next few years.

“Knowing Herbie has now recommitted to the Dolphins creates even more excitement for our members and fans.”

Farnworth will return to pre-season training in January after playing his part in the rugby league Ashes series with new Dolphins’ recruit and English Test forward Morgan Knowles.

Knowles will join Selwyn Cobbo and Penrith half Brad Schneider as new faces in the Dolphins’ squad.