Herbie's happy to be back with Bennett

Pictured: Dolphins new centre Herbie Farnworth, centre, during his first training session.

New signing Herbie Farnworth had his first Dolphins training session this morning and said it’s “pretty cool” to be playing for coach Wayne Bennett again.

The highly-rated centre put pen to paper 10 months ago, but was in Dolphins' colours for the first time today, after seven years at Brisbane Broncos.

He scored 15 tries in 26 games for Broncos last season and was in the side which lost the dramatic Grand Final 26-24 to Penrith.

But, the 23-year-old is now preparing for the 2024 campaign, lacing up his boots again on the same day Wayne Bennett returned from his break.

“He (Bennett) signed me on my first deal with the Broncos,” said Farnworth, who grew up in Lancashire before moving to Australia.

“When I was 15, me and my mum came in from England and he had a good talk to me. He said they were going to sign me and not to worry.

“He always makes you feel like everything’s going to be all fine.

“Wherever Wayne sees me, I’ll play. I’m just pretty keen to get training.”

Farnworth, who will turn 24 two days before Christmas, made his NRL debut in 2019 and was named Broncos’ Rookie of the Year in 2021.

Twelve months later he won Broncos Best Back title and last year made his England debut in the Rugby League World Cup.

Farnworth scored twice in England’s semi-final defeat to Samoa, but bounced back last season to help Broncos reach their first Grand Final in eight years.

Now, however, the maroon and gold has been replaced by red and gold – and Farnworth is delighted to be a Dolphin.

“I’ve always got a bit of a soft spot for the Broncs,” he admitted, “I came through there as a kid, but I’m here at Reddy now.

“I love it here and I’m just keen to be a part of a winning team.

“(Last season) I saw some really, really, good signs early on at this club. Good quality players as well as good younger players coming through.

“It’s all looking very good for this year.

“I’ve got a lot of things to improve on. I had a little look at last season at what I can do better, but it’ll be a good year, this year.”

All the senior ‘Phins are now back training, except Tom Flegler who has a later start date. He made an appearance at training last week but is not expected to be back full-time until January.

Farnworth is also a talented soccer player and was part of the youth development system at EPL giants Manchester United. Manchester City were also interested.

But as a teenager he made the decision to focus on rugby league.