When the Brisbane Broncos signed Reece Walsh it raised eyebrows but the re-acquisition of the fullback seems to have had a profound impact on the squad.

Yesterday it was reported that incumbent Broncos fullback Tesi Niu had been permitted to negotiate with rival clubs for an immediate move and The Dolphins are showing an interest.

It seems another fullback hopeful will be making way for Walsh in Brisbane as England International Herbie Farnworth has gained some serious outside interest.

Dolphins head coach Wayne Bennett recently spoke to The Daily Telegraph about Farnworth and has confirmed the NRL’s newest franchise is interested in signing the centre.

“Herbie only signed for one year, so we’re definitely interested,” Bennett said.

“I was interested in him last year and our interest is still there.

“I’m not going to talk about positions with Herbie, but the bottom line is he is back on the market and we’re still very keen on him.”

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs general manager Phil “Gus” Gould has also spoken to The Daily Telegraph and revealed that Bulldogs forward and Farnworth’s fellow Englishman Luke Thompson is lobbying the club to sign the 22-year-old.

 
“Never spoken to him (but) Luke Thompson said he was very impressed with him from the RLWC,” said Gould.

“That’s all I know.

“Luke was particularly keen on Herbie.

“I think he manages himself and I’m told he’s sorted elsewhere.

“I haven’t delved into it and haven’t spoken to Luke since England lost last week.

“But yes, Luke was very impressed with several of the UK squad, including Herbie.”

The Sydney Roosters have also been heavily linked with Farnworth but when asked to expand on the speculation club chairman Nick Politis refused to comment.

Taking into consideration the Roosters already have the Australian, New Zealand and Samoan fullbacks on their books, where he would play for the Eastern Suburbs club is yet to be seen.

At this stage The Dolphins must be considered the favourites to sign Farnworth either for 2023 or 2024 as they still have a fair amount left in their salary cap which may not be the case for the Bulldogs.

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has revealed he’s “still interested” in pinching Broncos and England international Herbie Farnworth from his old haunt 😳 https://t.co/hvFxoFB51N

— Fox League (@FOXNRL) November 18, 2022

Over the past two seasons the club has spent big on marquee signings and one must question at what point they start running out of room in their cap.

Both the Bulldogs and Dolphins could use Farnworth in his desired role of fullback he could be more versatile at the Bulldogs as The Dolphins have already signed multiple centres with NRL experience.