The Dolphins face a challenging off-season as they work to retain key players amid mounting salary cap pressures at Redcliffe. Star centres Herbie Farnworth and Jack Bostock are set to become unrestricted free agents on November 1, raising concerns over their futures with the club ahead of the 2028 NRL season.

Farnworth has reportedly attracted strong interest from the Sydney Roosters, while Bostock, a former St. George Illawarra junior, has seen his profile rise significantly following his debut for New South Wales in this year’s State of Origin series. Both players are viewed as critical to the Dolphins’ plans given their on-field impact and potential.

Under the leadership of former recruitment chief Peter O’Sullivan, the Dolphins have built one of the NRL’s most competitive rosters since their inception. However, this year the club has already lost a number of players, including Daniel Saifiti (medical retirement), Oryn Keeley (to Melbourne Storm), Jake Averillo (to Wests Tigers), Jamayne Isaako (to Melbourne Storm), and Kodi Nikorima (to St. George Illawarra Dragons).

Despite these departures, the Dolphins have secured short- to medium-term commitments from several players. Selwyn Cobbo signed a one-year extension, Kurt Donoghoe has been retained until 2028, and Frank Molo received a two-year contract. Additionally, the club has made a significant acquisition by signing English halfback George Williams for the 2024 season, signaling their intent to remain competitive.

The Dolphins’ ongoing challenge will be to hold onto other key talents who are nearing free agency next month, including Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Morgan Knowles, Tom Flegler, Trai Fuller, Cobbo, Farnworth, and Bostock. The club’s salary cap constraints will play a major role in its ability to retain this core group.

Tabuai-Fidow expressed a desire to extend his stay beyond 2027, citing a strong connection with coach Kristian Woolf. He praised Woolf’s understanding of Indigenous players and the positive locker room culture that has developed at the club.

“I think my preference would be to stay here, but I’m not too worried about that at the moment,” Tabuai-Fidow said. “I’m just trying to get through each week and just be with the boys and make this season a special one for ourselves and the club as well.”

The Dolphins now face a critical off-season period in navigating contract negotiations and balancing their salary cap while maintaining a competitive squad in their second year of NRL competition.