Dolphins star centre Herbie Farnworth has put current contract talks on hold as he sets sight on four key priorities that await him over the next two months.
Coming off contract at the end of next season, it is first call of business for the Dolphins to make sure they retain Farnworth as he will undoubtedly attract an abundance of interest from rival clubs come November 1.
Talks will be put on hold for now as the Dolphins gun targets locking down on his traditional training preparations, leading the Dolphins to a maiden NRL title, winning the World Cup with England and then getting his next contract sorted.
When talking to AAP he recalled the process he went through when signing his current contract that will expire at the end of the 2027 season, speaking on the calm approach he brings to the table during negotiations.
"It looked like it was going to work. It felt right … so I decided," he told the publication.
"I'm not an over-thinking type of person. I don't really put too much attention on my contracts. I feel like my job is to play footy. If I am doing that right, contracts take care of themselves.
“I let my manager do all the work, which is good."
Throughout the year there were multiple reports linking the England representative to the Sydney Roosters, with all reports put to bed by Herbie himself as he expressed his desires to stay at the Redcliffe-based club.
Further talking to AAP Farnworth reassured his primary focus of delivering success for fans both at club and international level, speaking on the culture Coach Kristian Woolf has created at the club.
“All my energy and focus is on the finals series and when the time is right we will talk," he revealed.
“I have told the Dolphins that I want to put it off until after we are done playing, hopefully in the grand final ... and even better if it's after the World Cup final.
"I love the boys here. We have got a great crew. Woolfy has had a great year and all the boys look up to him. It's all about really high standards and you have to toe the line.
"We really want to go after this finals series as a team and we feel like we have got the players and roster to win it."
Having already lost star winger Jamayne Isaako to the Melbourne Storm next season, outside back utility Jake Averillo to the Wests Tigers and Jack Bostock being linked to a number of Sydney-based clubs, Herbie's signature is pivotal.
Star halfback Isaiya Katoa has publicly spoken on behalf of the core playing group on their commitment of sticking together at the club rather than chasing big paycheques at other clubs.
When talking to the Courier Mail, Katoa referenced the success that the Panthers system has extracted in recent history, with the Dolphins striving to replicate it.
Farnworth known for his illusive playing style led the competition in 2026 in offloads (73) and tackle breaks (150), a direct result of his 'six pole' training drills.
He and the Dolphins begin their maiden finals campaign on Saturday against the Warriors.
