Dolphins star Herbie Farnworth has admitted his side needs to be whole lot better with the ball if they are to cause an upset against the Sharks this week.
The Dolphins were on the verge of a second straight loss to open the season before Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow took the game by the fins to steer his side to an 18-14 win over the Titans.
After leaking 40 points in Round 1 against the Rabbitohs, the Dolphins were again guilty of poor handling and ill-discipline, making 14 errors and conceding four penalties and three ruck infringements.
“We were very clunky but we got the two points,” Farnworth said.
“We have a lot of confidence in this team, but we've got to know when to hold the footy and when not to play (expansively).
“At the moment, we got a few of things wrong, there is a lot to work on.
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“(We have made) too many errors, too many penalties early on. (We are) probably just getting used to the pace of the game again …
“I feel like we did that in the second half and started grinding out the other team.
“We've got to be a lot better.
“It's a big game against the Sharkies who look in very good form.”
As well as being given chance to improve and build on their win, Farnworth enjoyed the personal battle of going up against his direct opposite each week, something that has helped lift him to be one of the form centres in the competition.
While Tabuai-Fidow rightly stole the headlines last Sunday, Farnworth was again one of the best performers for the Dolphins, with 150 run metres, five tackle breaks and six offloads.
This week, he is set to face off against Indigenous All Stars representative Jesse Ramien, who would be looking to show more of his attacking ability after being forced into plenty of defence in the loss to the Panthers last round.
“He is a very good player ... very strong with the footy, elusive, good footwork and a powerful fend,” Farnworth said.
“It will be a good battle and I am keen to play against him.”
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The England international, who will be gunning for selection at this year's World Cup, was looking forward to taking on a motivated Sharks side in a hostile environment.
“I made my debut in 2019 at Shark Park so it is a special place for me,” Farnworth said.
“I love going back and playing there. We won with the ‘Baby Broncos’.
“(It is hostile and I did cop it) last time I was there (in Round 19 last year).
“I got a bit of abuse from the crowd, but that's fine.
“It gives me ammo when I am getting abused, so that’s fine. I like it."
