- Brent Read and Peter Badel
Parramatta have expressed an interest in Brisbane centre Herbie Farnworth as the race for the Englishman extends to Sydney and threatens to price the Broncos out of the market.
Farnworth is off contract at the end of the season and in the sights of a handful of clubs, chief among them the Dolphins.
News Corp understands the Eels are also watching Farnworth closely as they weigh up making a move for the 22-year-old, who was electric over the opening month of the season.
Parramatta have reportedly joined the race to sign Herbie Farnworth.
Farnworth scored four tries in Brisbane’s opening five games before he was sidelined by injury against Penrith on Friday night. The Broncos sorely missed him as they were battered by the defending premiers.
They may have to get used to it as Farnworth edges towards making a call on his future.
The Broncos are doing their level-best to keep him, but they acknowledge they face an immense challenge given the lack of quality centres on the open market and the level of interest Farnworth is attracting.
It is understood the Eels are not the only Sydney side monitoring the situation as they look to strengthen their outside backs heading into next season.
The club was in the market for some immediate help after suffering a slew of injuries in the outside backs, but they may hold their nerve as Marata Niukore makes his return from suspension and Maika Sivo edges towards a comeback from long-term injury.
Their focus instead may be on strengthening for next season, and that is where Farnworth will enter the equation given he is arguably the best outside back on the open market.
The Dolphins have chased him hard, offering the sweetener of the right centre spot, where he prefers to play. At the Broncos, his path to that position is blocked by his centre partner, Kotoni Staggs, who produced an outstanding performance in the loss to the Panthers.
Farnworth scored five tries in the first four rounds.
Broncos football boss Ben Ikin has conceded Brisbane face a battle to retain the British flyer, that task only becoming more difficult as more clubs enter the race for one of the most coveted players still available for next season.
“It depends how much the other clubs will be prepared to bid for Herbie, but he’s a guy we want to keep,” Ikin said.
“We have a number of good young players coming off-contract and ideally you want to keep all the players you feel are an important part of what you are trying to build.
“We understand there are market forces out there that impact on what you are trying to do. That’s what happens in an industry governed by the salary cap.
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“Herbie is a very good NRL player. He is a terrific ball runner, every week and every season he continues to play, he keeps learning and growing.
“He is right at the start of his journey and he is showing us a lot of good stuff. I have no doubt there will be a whole host of clubs looking to have a crack at him.” — with Jen Dawson and 3 others.
Replies
Like it. Skillfully fast player
Wouldn't we have been better off using the coin to retain Mahoney or buying a better winger?
I'd be very very very surprised if he ends up at Parra.
Care to expand grunts?
Sounds like stuff going in behind the scenes?
Heard same thing.
Yeah, I wouldn't mind knowing why the Eels didn't resign Mahoney?
What's the rumour , Grunts ?
why did he need to go grunts?
This is how you drop a grenade and run!
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