Herbie backs Wayne

Bennett ‘key to switch’

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 star at Redcliffe.

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

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

While Farnworth is determined to exit with a premiership at Brisbane, the utility back is relishing the prospect of Dolphins coach Bennett turning him into a true marquee star.

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

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

“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 (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 17year premiership drought.

The sight of compatriots 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.

“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 who paved the pathway for us young upand-coming English guys to come through.

“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.”