The Dolphins have been handed a glimmer of hope ahead of the business end of the season, with Herbie Farnworth edging closer to a return from his hamstring setback.
The club is optimistic the 24-year-old centre will be fit in time for next week’s final-round clash against the Canberra Raiders.
AAP’s Joel Gould reported that Farnworth was back running at full tilt during training this week, showing sharp turns and diagonal changes of direction, but the Dolphins have held him back for Sunday’s meeting with the Gold Coast Titans.
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“Herbie ran well today at top speed with his diagonal changes of direction. Not quite ready Phins say,” Gould posted on social media.
Finals fate still in the balance
The Dolphins’ playoff chances are still alive but precarious. They must win their last two games and hope the Sydney Roosters slip in at least one of theirs. Farnworth’s return, should it come against Canberra, would provide a massive boost for Wayne Bennett’s side as they chase an unlikely top-eight finish.
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In the meantime, the team has named Kodi Nikorima to return at five-eighth, and Jeremy Marshall-King will bring up a milestone, playing his 150th NRL game against the Titans.
Farnworth, who joined the Dolphins from the Brisbane Broncos this year, has been a key attacking weapon when fit. His availability for the Raiders clash could well define whether the club’s fairytale push for finals football in just their second season gathers momentum or falls short.