Dolphins Poised for First Grand Final After Dramatic Preliminary Win

Three weeks after a spectacular aerial catch by English centre Herbie Farnworth, the Dolphins defeated the Sydney Roosters in the preliminary final, securing a place in their first grand final. By halftime the Dolphins had scored four tries, all originating from Farnworth’s left side, establishing a match-winning lead. The victory also marked the Dolphins’ first win against a top-four club in a finals setting, echoing their opening-round upset of the Roosters in the 2023 season.

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The Dolphins entered the NRL in 2021 as an expansion club. Within 96 matches they have amassed 49 wins, a win-rate that rivals early-era champions such as the Melbourne Storm. Their success has been built without tax concessions or salary-cap relief, setting a high benchmark for forthcoming entrants like the Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs. Key signings—including forwards Felise Kaufusi, Jesse Bromwich, and Kenny Bromwich, as well as backline talent Isaiya Katoa, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, and Selwyn Cobbo—have transformed the squad from an “empty” roster to a contender.

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• Herbie Farnworth – English centre, pivotal try-scorer in the preliminary final, tipped for Dally M centre of the year.

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• Isaiya Katoa – Dolphins’ halfback, credited with the kick that set up Farnworth’s try.

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• Terry Reader – Chief executive, highlighted the club’s strategic plan and the proximity to a grand final.

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• Joanne Farnworth – Mother of Herbie, based in the Maldives during the finals series.

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The Dolphins’ coaching staff, led by inaugural coach Wayne Bennett and assistant Kristian Woolf, have been praised for orchestrating an orderly transition that underpins the on-field success.

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• “It’ll be about eleven o’clock in the morning here, so we’ll watch it,” — Joanne — Joanne Farnworth, mother of Herbie Farnworth.

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