Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
The Dolphins have suffered a major setback ahead of their clash with the Canberra Raiders after star centre Herbie Farnworth was ruled out due to tightness, forcing a late backline reshuffle for Friday night’s NRL encounter at GIO Stadium. Farnworth’s withdrawal comes as the Dolphins attempt to maintain momentum against one of the competition’s stronger defensive sides.
According to reports from Channel 9, Farnworth will not take the field after experiencing physical tightness during preparations, with the club opting not to risk the England international.
The late change sees forward Oryn Keeley shifted into the centres, altering the Dolphins’ structure for one of the tougher away fixtures of the round.
Dolphins forced into late backline adjustment
Farnworth’s absence is a significant blow for the Dolphins given his importance in both attack and defence throughout the season.
The experienced centre has consistently been one of the side’s most reliable performers, providing strike power on the edge and stability in defensive reads.
With Farnworth unavailable, Oryn Keeley has been named to move from the interchange rotation into the starting backline role.
The adjustment changes the balance of the Dolphins’ bench rotation and places greater pressure on younger outside backs to contain Canberra’s dangerous edge combinations.
Despite the disruption, the Dolphins still retain a strong spine led by Isaiya Katoa, Jeremy Marshall King and fullback Trai Fuller.
Brad Schneider also continues at five eighth as the club looks to maintain attacking fluency against a physical Raiders pack.
Raiders remain settled ahead of home clash
Canberra enters the match with minimal disruption to its lineup, naming an unchanged side featuring Kaeo Weekes at fullback and Ethan Sanders partnering Daine Laurie in the halves.
The Raiders forward pack, led by Joseph Tapine and Corey Horsburgh, will again be central to the club’s game plan through the middle of the field.
Coach Ricky Stuart’s side has built strong momentum in recent rounds and will view the Dolphins’ late reshuffle as an opportunity to target unfamiliar defensive combinations.
Young utility players including Chevy Stewart and Coby Black remain among the Raiders extended squad options.
The Raiders will also look to exploit field position through their outside backs, with Xavier Savage and Matthew Timoko expected to play key attacking roles.
Bulldogs and Storm headline Friday night fixtures
Elsewhere in Friday night team news, Canterbury and Melbourne have both named strong lineups for their meeting at Accor Stadium.
The Bulldogs continue with Connor Tracey at fullback and Matt Burton steering the halves alongside Lachlan Galvin.
Melbourne has retained Jahrome Hughes despite several changes across the backline and forward rotation.
Young playmaker Keagan Russell Smith again starts in the halves, while Sualauvi Faalogo remains at fullback for the Storm.
No late changes had been confirmed for either side at the time of publication.
Dragons, Warriors and Sea Eagles prepare for key clashes
Saturday’s fixtures include St George Illawarra hosting the Warriors, with Jaydn Su’A named in the centres following his return from suspension.
The Warriors continue with Te Maire Martin in the halves and James Fisher Harris leading the forward pack.
Manly faces Gold Coast later on Saturday night, with Jake Trbojevic captaining the Sea Eagles after recently extending his contract with the club.
The Titans have retained AJ Brimson in the centres while Jayden Campbell and Zane Harrison continue in the halves.
Sunday’s clash between North Queensland and South Sydney also features several reshuffled lineups, with the Rabbitohs continuing to manage injuries across key positions.
As teams finalise preparations across the weekend, Farnworth’s withdrawal remains one of the most significant late changes heading into Round 12.