Herbie rides again
RISING STAR FARNWORTH GETS BACK ON HORSE WITH BRONCOS
HERBIE FARNWORTH will be the first Englishman to step back onto a professional rugby field today – with the national coach among those watching.
The 20-year-old Brisbane Broncos outside back is set to come off the bench as Australia’s NRL relaunches behind closed doors with Parramatta Eels the opposition.
Born in the tiny Lancashire village of Blacko near Burnley, Farnworth was on the books at Manchester United for two years as a youngster, before his family emigrated Down Under.
Since then his star has risen with the Broncos, where he made his first grade debut last season before featuring in this year’s opening two rounds before the competition was suspended.
Recent reports in Australia say five NRL clubs and rugby union are all targeting Farnworth once his contract expires later this year.
And he is firmly on the radar of
England coach
Shaun Wane ahead of next year’s World
Cup. Wane said:
“I was aware of
DRIVING FORCE I am sure he will play for England
him a long, long time ago when he was atWigan St Pat’s.
“I was told about him by various people and watched a bit of footage on him. He was rising up the ranks playing really well and the next thing we heard he was going to sign for Brisbane Broncos. It’s very impressive what he’s done and how he’s gone about it.
“He’s a great athlete and an outstanding player, and I’m sure we’ll see him play for England at some stage.”
Farnworth is one of seven Englishmen expected to feature in the NRL this weekend, although Canberra’s John Bateman has yet to fully recover from shoulder surgery
Wane added: “I’ll be watching them all many, many times – Herbie and all the rest.
“As an outside back he has good hands, a good catch and pass, and he’s tall and athletic. His fundamental skills are what impress me most. To be pushing for a starting spot at Brisbane Broncos is very impressive at his age.”