The Dolphins had spent the best part of four seasons winning over neutrals as the likeable if unserious entertainers of the NRL, with their fetching red jerseys and TikTok-friendly try celebration. “Phins Up”, as the children say.
But when English centre Herbie Farnworth took to the air against the Roosters three weeks ago, the stakes rose with him. Chasing a kick from Dolphins bandmaster Isaiya Katoa, he soared above Roosters captain James Tedesco to change the club’s fate. By half-time the Phins had put on four tries, all coming down Farnworth’s left side, for a match-winning lead.
