England chance for former United youngster Herbie
A FORMER Manchester United youth player is among the new additions to Shaun Wane’s England Elite Performance Squad.
Herbie Farnworth - a 20-year-old in his second NRL season with Brisbane Broncos - was on the books with the Reds as a youngster, before moving to Australia.
He’s caught the eye of many observers despite the Broncos’ struggles this season and has been rewarded with a call-up to the group of players that regularly meet up - virtually at the moment - and will be central to Wane’s thinking ahead of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
“Herbie is young and will have time to develop into one of the leading candidates for World Cup selection,” said the England coach of Farnworth, who was born in Blacko, Pendle.
“I wouldn’t say he’s stood out, but he’s doing a few good things which I like to see. He’s warranted his selection in the top squad.
“I’d need to see more from him but the glimpses I’ve seen are very encouraging.
“His size and athleticism are very impressive and I can see him pushing very hard for a centre spot next year.”
The other new addition is St Helens’ loose forward Morgan Knowles, who has switched allegiances from Wales, whom he represented at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
“I feel very honoured to have played for Wales and represent my Welsh family and heritage and I am hugely grateful for the opportunities and experiences this has brought my way,” said Knowles, who was selected in the 2019 Super League Dream Team.
“But first and foremost I’m a really proud Cumbrian. I was born in Barrow and I’m English and I want to play for my country.
“Hopefully if I work hard, I will be able to do that and I am excited about what the future may hold.”
Wane indicated Knowles could be the long-term successor to England and Wigan captain Sean O’Loughlin. He said: “I have been aware of Morgan for quite a while now, he is a player I admire greatly.
“His skilful and competitive way of playing really suits what we want to see from an England player.
“He is a player that stayed behind the first time I met him and asked what he needs to work on. That speaks volumes of him as a player - that desire to improve is everything to me.
“He can play. Lockers is not going to last forever and he sees himself jumping in there, which I can see myself. He is one of those players with skill and a bit of speed who can do a job anywhere.”
Meanwhile, former Salford Red Devils hooker Matty Wilkinson has signed a new one-year deal at Oldham.
“He has loads of potential,” said the Roughyeds boss. “We’ll be bulking-up our front row next season and Wilky will find that beneficial when he’s jumping out of dummyhalf.”