One of the NRL’s most dangerous centres could be about to become one of its most expensive — and the Dolphins are in a race against time to keep him.
Redcliffe’s star centre Herbie Farnworth is at the centre of a looming contract saga, with the Dolphins reportedly bracing for a fierce bidding war that could see the English international become a $1 million-per-season player. The Sydney Roosters have emerged as the club most likely to pounce if Farnworth hits the open market — and the pressure is firmly on the Dolphins to get a deal done before November 1.
The Clock Is Ticking
Farnworth is contracted with the Dolphins until the end of the 2027 season, but under NRL rules, rival clubs are free to approach him from November 1 this year if no extension is signed beforehand. That deadline is fast approaching, and the Dolphins know better than most what happens when elite players reach the open market.
The Courier Mail has reported that Redcliffe are preparing to offer Farnworth a blockbuster new deal worth $1 million per season — a figure that would make him the highest-paid centre in the competition. That’s how seriously the Dolphins are taking the threat of losing their most potent attacking weapon.
Dolphins head coach Kristian Woolf has made no secret of where retaining Farnworth sits on the club’s priority list.
“We certainly can keep him — it’s a priority of ours,” Woolf said. “I like what Herbie brings. I love his personality and presence around the group, and him as a player. He’s a guy we want to be a Dolphin going forward and build the team around.”
The Roosters Are Lurking
The Sydney Roosters have been identified as the biggest threat to the Dolphins’ plans. With a host of big names — including Angus Crichton and Mark Nawaqanitawase — departing for rugby union at season’s end, the Bondi club is set to have significant salary cap space to play with heading into 2028.
That war chest, combined with Farnworth’s status as one of the most complete centres in the competition, makes the scenario an obvious fit. If the Roosters can land Farnworth’s signature, he would slot into an already dangerous backline alongside Queensland Maroons star Robert Toia and points machine Reuben Garrick.
Farnworth has consistently said he is happy at Redcliffe — but he has also admitted that the open market holds appeal, having briefly entertained the idea before re-signing with the Dolphins last time around.
Why Farnworth Is Worth Every Cent
The 26-year-old England Test star has taken his game to another level since arriving at the Dolphins from Brisbane in 2024. This season he is averaging a remarkable 165 metres per game, consistently breaking the line and causing headaches for opposition defences week after week. He won the club’s player of the year award in 2025 after scoring 12 tries in 19 appearances, and has not slowed down since.
Some have questioned whether centre is a position that commands $1 million in the modern NRL. NRL great Corey Parker stirred debate earlier this year when he suggested the figure was steep, saying: “He’s only a centre.” But others, including former Australian cricket captain Ian Healy, pushed back — arguing Farnworth is the kind of player a club can genuinely build around.
Looking at the numbers, it is hard to disagree. Farnworth is not just a good centre — he is a game-breaking one.
What Happens Next?
The Dolphins have until November 1 to lock Farnworth in before the rival circling intensifies. If they can get the deal done, they secure arguably their most important player for the long term and send a powerful message about their ambitions as a club.
If they can’t — or won’t match the open market — the Roosters and potentially others will come knocking, and the Dolphins could find themselves in the uncomfortable position of watching one of the game’s best centres pull on a different jersey.
For a club still building its identity and fanbase, losing Herbie Farnworth would be far more than just a football loss. It would be a statement — and not the one Redcliffe wants to make.
