Farnworth wins Dolphins gong, extension on track
Joel Gould |
Dolphins star Herbie Farnworth has capped off a stellar year by winning player of the year and in even better news for the club he is on track to re-sign long-term.
The 24-year-old was out of action for the final five rounds with a hamstring tear, but such was his influence he was able to shine brightly enough to claim the prestigious Arthur Beetson Medal.
Farnworth would have been available to play week one of the finals had the Dolphins advanced. He will be available for England for the three-Test Ashes tour starting at Wembley Stadium on October 25.
“I will be there,” Farnworth told AAP just before Thursday night’s presentation evening began.
That will be music to the ears of England coach Shaun Wane.
Farnworth finished the 2025 season with an incredible 117 tackle breaks, 17 line breaks, nine try assists and 12 tries in 19 consecutive matches before being injured.
AAP has been told talks with Farnworth for an extension have been positive. He is off-contract at the end of next year and said recently his aim was to re-sign despite being linked with Perth.
In the movies the famous VW Beetle named Herbie goes to Monte Carlo, but this Herbie is going nowhere and is almost certain to ride again with the Redcliffe-based club.
“I am very happy at the Dolphins. I am sure we can get a deal done,” Farnworth said recently.
“The Bears … I am pretty keen to play against them in the upcoming years and I am sure they will be a great side.
“It is always nice to be wanted by different clubs, especially teams coming in, but we have got some great players here.
“I think I’d be a bit silly to pass up the opportunity to play with the likes of Jack Bostock and Izzy Katoa for the next couple of years and all these great young players coming through … that will help the team set a high standard in the future. It would be nice to be part of that.”
The Dolphins had the best season of their short existence with 12 wins to finish in ninth position.
Halfback Isaiya Katoa had another brilliant year and won the Jesse Bromwich Award as players’ player, along with best back.
Katoa, 21, is set to link with Tonga coach Kristian Woolf, also Dolphins mentor, for the upcoming Pacific Championships starting in October.
Dolphins utility Kurt Donoghoe had a breakout season with his toughness, skill and versatility a highlight. He claimed the most consistent and best forward gongs.
The 23-year-old represents Fiji and will be a huge boost to their Pacific Bowl campaign in Port Moresby next month.
Injuries cruelled the Dolphins season but one silver lining was that opportunities opened up.
The ACL injury sustained by Jack Bostock gave Tevita Naufahu a shot on the wing and he scored six tries in seven games to claim club rookie of the year.
AAP
