NRL 2022: Broncos centre Herbie Farnworth held secret talks with Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett

Alarm bells are sure to be ringing at the Broncos as fears of a Dolphins poaching raid for strike centre Herbie Farnworth grow by the day.

Herbie Farnworth has been in spectacular form for the Broncos this season.

Herbie Farnworth has held a secret meeting with Wayne Bennett as the Dolphins super coach ramps-up his $1 million-plus poaching bid for the Broncos centre.

News Corp can reveal Farnworth and his management held talks with Dolphins hierarchy in the lead-up to Brisbane’s 32-12 thumping of South Sydney at Homebush last Thursday night.

The off-contract Farnworth has become one of the most sought-after outside backs in the code, with the British young gun attracting interest from several NRL rivals, including Parramatta and Ricky Stuart’s Raiders.

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Herbie Farnworth has been in spectacular form for the Broncos this season.

Revelations of Farnworth holding formal negotiations with the NRL’s greatest coach will ring alarm bells for the Broncos, who could face a salary-cap squeeze as they look to secure boom teenager Selwyn Cobbo to a $2 million deal.

The Broncos are bracing for their in-form centre to decide his future after Friday night’s Magic Round clash against Manly at Suncorp Stadium.

During his meeting with Bennett, Farnworth made it clear money was not the sole motivating factor.

The 22-year-old told the Dolphins he will make a definitive call based on where he feels he can best develop as an NRL player.

Farnworth has been Brisbane’s most consistent player in the opening nine rounds and continued his fine form last Thursday night with the try that sealed the Broncos’ rout of the Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium.

As a kid growing up in the UK, Farnworth was in Manchester United’s junior academy.

Now he could be wearing another shade of red at the Dolphins.

Will Farnworth jump ship and sign with the Dolphins?

The Broncos have tabled a deal for Farnworth and are keen for him to continue his centre strikeforce with Kotoni Staggs, but Brisbane bosses are also mindful they could be blown out of the water by a more lucrative offer.

The Dolphins are open to a two or three-year deal for Farnworth, and potentially longer, depending on his management’s preferred term.

While at least two Sydney clubs and Canberra are in the running, it is understood Farnworth is leaning towards staying in Queensland.

That makes the Dolphins the primary threat to the Broncos. The NRL’s 17th team have offered the additional carrot of the right-centre position, said to be Farnworth’s preferred spot.

At the Broncos, the hard-running utility back plays on the left side, with Brisbane’s No.1 strike weapon Staggs commanding the right-centre slot.

Bennett confirmed his interest in Farnworth but concedes the Dolphins are not the only club in the race for his signature.

Broncos could face a cap squeeze with Selwyn Cobbo in line for a huge raise.

“We’re certainly interested in Herbie, but I don’t know if we can get him,” Bennett said.

“He is talking to a number of clubs, but hopefully he can see a future with us.”

One dilemma for the Broncos is their succession planning at centre.

Brisbane believe they have a future superstar in 18-year-old Deine Mariner, who scored four tries in his Queensland Cup debut in March, and retaining Farnworth could block his path to playing centre in the NRL.

Farnworth told News Corp last week there is no guarantee he will remain at the Broncos.

“I am happy with the Broncos and I love everyone here, but I have to weigh up my options,” he said.

The Broncos have a big opinion of young gun Deine Mariner.

“I have been at the Broncos since I was 15 years old, but I have to do the best thing for myself.

“It’s nice to know for sure that clubs are interested. I’ve only heard it through the media that clubs are chasing me, but I’ll be sitting down with my management team and my uncle Brian (Foley, legendary Wigan scout) and come up with the best option for me.”