Roosters size up Flegler as Dolphins land Broncos blow with Farnworth coup

Herbie Farnworth may not be the last big name to leave Brisbane, with the Roosters and Sea Eagles among the Sydney clubs eying off Queensland Origin prop Thomas Flegler.

Farnworth will join cross-town rivals the Dolphins in 2024 as the biggest signing of their short existence, his three-year deal with the NRL newcomers adding spice to a burgeoning rivalry north of the border.

The Englishman has long been in coach Wayne Bennett’s sights and was unsuccessfully pursued for 2023 as well, with several NRL rivals also expressing interest in Farnworth after a couple of impressive campaigns at Brisbane.

Sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, have told the Herald that the Broncos could not compete with the money offered to Farnworth by multiple rivals including Sydney-based outfits.

Flegler is also a man in demand as the Roosters consider making a play for the off-contract front-rower.

Veteran prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is expected to retire at season’s end, which will leave a huge void up front after Sio Siua Taukeiaho departed for Catalans during the off season.

There is also a cloud over Angus Crichton’s immediate playing future, although the club is hopeful the NSW and Australian back-rower makes a full recovery after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Manly are also keen on Flegler, ironically being sized up as a replacement for stalwart prop Marty Taupau after his own shift to Brisbane.

Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold handed Flegler his NRL debut when the pair were at Red Hill and has a good relationship with the 23-year-old.

As for Farnworth, Dolphins CEO Terry Reader told the Herald that Bennett did not promise him the No.1 jersey blocked by Reece Walsh and Selwyn Cobbo at the Broncos, and that talks had focused on him arriving as a centre.

Brisbane were desperate to retain rising star Herbie Farnworth.Credit:Getty

“Wayne’s very honest with players and talks with Herbie were around playing centre,” Reader said.

“The coach isn’t big on promising positions or making a habit of that and Herbie’s very versatile and can play more than one position anyway.”

Farnworth’s prized signature comes after the Dolphins were knocked back by a host of NRL stars led by Cameron Munster, Kalyn Ponga, Brandon Smith, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Harry Grant among others.

As a result the club can front-load multiple player contracts into this year’s salary cap to meet the 95 per cent spend requirement under NRL rules, and still keep space free to make quality mid-year signings with the two remaining spots in their top 30 roster.

Reader said any suggestion of trying to acquire an early release for Farnworth to join the Dolphins this year “is out of our hands and not a conversation for us to comment on given he’s contracted to another club.”

Farnworth also reiterated his commitment to Brisbane in a statement on Friday afternoon.

“It was a tough decision to make but I’m a Bronco until the end of the season and I will be giving 100 per cent every time I pull on the Broncos jersey,” he said.

“I’ve played a lot of football with a lot of the guys in this team and owe it to them to make sure that we go as far as we can this season.”

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