Fifteen rounds into the Telstra Premiership, the NRL’s post contact metre leaders are a fearsome, forward-heavy list.
But there are a few surprises.
Expected names like Addin Fonua-Blake, Payne Haas and Haumole Olakau'atu are all there.
But NRL Stats reveals Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth currently sits fourth—a position set to rise with Olakau'atu facing four to six weeks on the sidelines following a dislocated shoulder.
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Off the back of an NRL-leading 89 tackle busts, Lancashire-born Farnworth is laying down a sublime second year for the Dolphins having moved from cross-town rivals, the Broncos, at the end of 2023 on a three-year deal.
Playing every minute of the season to date, the Englishman is averaging 166 run metres per game—with more than a third coming post contact.
Not bad for a guy who candidly revealed he spent two days in hospital with a leg infection in the build-up to the Bulldogs away game back in Round 12.
Following a late try in Saturday night’s demolition of the Cowboys, Farnworth has also now crossed the line in eight consecutive games—the type of form that gives success-starved English fans reason to dream on the eve of the first Kangaroos Tour since 2003.
At the completion of Round 15, other backs sitting in the NRL post contact Top 10 include Titan Philip Sami, Knights winger Greg Marzhew, injured Raider’s centre Savelio Tamale and Roosters veteran, Daniel Tupou.
Farnworth’s next chance to bust tackles comes against the Knights at HBF Park in Perth on Saturday afternoon.