The Dolphins' chief executi,ve Terry Read,er has provided clarity around circulating reports of Herbie Farnworth's future at Redcliffe.
Reader remains confident the club will be able to retain the star centre following speculation he could be on the move out of the NRL's latest expansion club.
Farnworth has established himself as one of the game's best centres, and will be free to negotiate with rivals on November 1 this year for a 2028 contract if the Dolphins don't lock him up with an extension beforehand.
The English international has been constantly linked with a move to the Sydney Roosters, with the tri-colours interested in his contract situation to see whether they can make a play at him in four months' time.
Despite the pressure, Reader confirmed Farnworth is in an environment he enjoys and remains positive about getting a deal done.
“That seems to be everyone's favourite rumour, that one,” Reader told SEN's Crunch Time NRL.
“I'm not sure you've ever heard it from Herbie's management or our club, and if I remember correctly, 12 months ago, the same rumour was there, and he re-signed with our club for another 12 months to the end of ‘27.
“So, it's like anything. We don't expect anything different.
“The club is in a good position with good players around, and they've got a team that can challenge.
“That's one thing Herbie wants to be a part of, and he's become an even better footballer since he's been at the Dolphins under Wolfie (Kristian Woolf) and I've got no doubting he'll continue to get better.”
Farnworth headlines a star-studded list of Dolphins players without a contract for 2028 so far, including Jack Bostock, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo, Connelly Lemuelu, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Tom Flegler among more.
They face an uphill battle to retain all its stars, withtheirenty of players stepping up to become representative talent since arriving at the club, including Bostock and the barnstorming back row duo in Lemuelu and Finefeuiaki.
Farnworth has elevated himself into the elite centre category since his arrival in Redcliffe in 2024, averaging a four-pointer every second game while recording an average of 167 run metres per match in 2026.
The Dolphins, currently in fifth, can reach the top four this weekend when they travel to Brookvale to face the Manly Sea Eagles.
They remain on the same points as the Sharks, but sit outside the top four on points differential, while the Knights are in hot pursuit with only one win separating them from the Dolphins.
The finals race is beginning to heat up, with it becoming ever-so crucial to reach the top four to enjoy the luxury of a second bite at the cherry in September.
