NRL news: Broncos star Herbie Farnworth reveals why he joined the Dolphins

Brisbane star Herbie Farnworth has spoken publicly for the first time about his decision to quit the Broncos and join their fierce expansion rivals.

Herbie Farnworth in action at Brisbane Broncos training. Picture: Liam Kidston

Dolphins defector Herbie Farnworth believes super coach Wayne Bennett can take him to another level as the departing Broncos ace sets his sights on becoming a franchise superstar at Redcliffe.

As he prepares for Saturday night’s clash against Wests Tigers at Suncorp Stadium, Farnworth has spoken publicly for the first time about his decision to quit the Broncos and ink a $2.1 million deal with their fierce expansion rivals.

The Broncos were confident of retaining Farnworth, but the British Test star dropped a bombshell on the club last month, signing a lucrative three-year deal with the Dolphins starting next season.

While Farnworth is determined to exit with a premiership at Brisbane, the hulking utility back is relishing the prospect of Dolphins coach Bennett turning him into one of the NRL’s true marquee stars.

The Dolphins have stunned the league with their flying start to their foundation season and Farnworth says being mentored by Bennett was a major factor in severing ties with the Broncos.

“Wayne was the first coach to sign me,” said Farnworth, who moved to Australia as a 15-year-old to chase his NRL dreams at the Broncos under former Brisbane coach Bennett.

Broncos star Herbie Farnworth will join the Dolphins next season. Picture: NRL Photos

“When I first signed for the Broncos it was under Wayne.

“He didn’t get a chance to coach me in the end, but it was nice of him reaching out and signing me for his new team (the Dolphins).

“They’ve got all those Storm forwards (Dolphins recruits Jesse and Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi) who have been a key part of that (Storm) team for so long.

“They have a real strong (forward pack) at the Dolphins ... I probably thought it was time to move on.”

Farnworth made his Broncos debut in 2019 and has developed into one of the most dangerous outside backs in the code over the past 18 months.

The Dolphins have bought the former Manchester United Academy youngster to inject some speed and power out wide after watching the 103kg hulk score 21 tries from 57 games for the Broncos.

But Farnworth insists he won’t be complacent at the Broncos in his final six months at the club, outlining his plan to help break Brisbane’s 17-year premiership drought.

The sight of fellow Poms Sam Burgess and James Graham playing in NRL grand finals has steeled Farnworth to win silverware at Red Hill.

“I am still a Bronco for this year,” he said.

Herbie Farnworth wants to win a premiership with the Broncos. Picture: Getty Images

“I just want to push on and give it my best this year and hopefully win a comp in my last year.

“All those Burgess boys were the ones that paved the pathway for us young up-and-coming English guys to come through.

“Players like Sam, George and Tom (Burgess) and James Graham came over and are massive for us English boys.

“It will be super-hard to go.

“I absolutely love the Broncos. I have been here since I was 15 and I moved out (from England) to play for the Broncos.

“It was a very, very tough call but I am 100 per cent on board for this year and am going to strive to win that comp.

“It would be unreal. To win something in my last year here would be unbelievable.”

Originally published as NRL news: Broncos star Herbie Farnworth reveals why he joined the Dolphins