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Farnworth off Bears' radar after re-signing with Dolphins
Scott Bailey, AAP • October 9th, 2025 12:41 pm
Herbie Farnworth will remain in Dolphins colours for another year after signing an extension | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
The Dolphins have ensured centre Herbie Farnworth cannot become a target for new club Perth, taking the English star off the market and locking him in for 2027.
Initially off contract at the end of next year, Farnworth was set the become a free agent on November 1 and other clubs able to table offers.
That would have likely made him an enticing prospect for the Bears, who are desperately seeking marquee talent for their first season in 2027.
But Farnworth's one-year extension means he can no longer be a target for Perth or any other club, after a 2025 season where he scored 12 tries in 19 games.
Herbie Farnworth scores a spectacular try against Melbourne at Suncorp Stadium | Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP
"This was an easy decision for me as I did not see myself going anywhere else," Farnworth 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's new deal was finalised on Wednesday night, before flying to England on Thursday for his first Ashes series against Australia.
The 25-year-old missed the end of the Dolphins' season with a hamstring injury, but is back training and will be fit for the first Test at Wembley Stadium on October 25.
Farnworth's signature leaves Will Peninsi, Jesse Ramien and Reuben Garrick as the best off-contract centre talent for the Bears to attack for 2027.
Gun Manly centre Tolu Koula also has an option to leave the Sea Eagles at the end of next year, but the club are confident they will keep him into 2028.
Fellow Dolphin Jake Averillo and Redcliffe-bound Selwyn Cobbo are also free agents from November 1, with the latter a potential fullback option for Perth.
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