Herbie's magic number: Dolphins launch case for defence

There is a magic number driving Herbie Farnworth as the Dolphins chase that NRL finals feeling.

The English centre is optimistic the club can crack a top-eight finish in its third season, having just missed post-season action in 2024.

The Dolphins (11-13) finished 10th, one win off the pace after scoring and conceding about 24 points per game in their second season.

The former Brisbane star, who left Red Hill to join the Redcliffe rivals after the Broncos' gutting 2023 grand-final loss, says it's obvious what needs to improve under new and former assistant Kristian Woolf this year.

"Defence .... it's the one thing we've focused on as a team and it's somewhere I want to step up," he said.

"That's where you win and lose games."

"Stats show it; keep teams below 18 points you're going to finish in that top four."

Minor premiers Melbourne scored 28.8 points and conceded 18.71 last season while premiers Penrith (24.2 and 16.4) were predictably miserly and fourth-placed Cronulla (27.2 and 17.9) followed suit.

The Roosters finished third, scoring 31 points to offset the 19.3 they conceded while sixth-placed Canterbury (18) were they only other team to average less than 21 points per game against.

Farnworth has fond memories of his final Brisbane season, but no regrets that he left.

"Not at all; I had a great year there in '23," he said.

"It was massive, some of the best footy I've ever been a part of.

"But like to think I've built on myself as a player and pushed forward again this offseason as well.

"We've got a great squad here; I think we can do something really good this year."

The Dolphins will play preseason fixtures against North Queensland, in Cairns, on February 14 and Gold Coast at their Redcliffe home on February 22.