Herbie Farnworth has been one of the stars of the Broncos’ 2022 renaissance, scoring four tries in seven games as part of a scintillating outside pairing with the rejuvenated Corey Oates.
Now, the stakes are set to rise even higher for the Burnley-born centre: he’s getting his first sit-down with England coach Shaun Wane, who is set to make his first trip to Australia to take in next weekend’s Magic Round in Brisbane.
Farnworth has been desperately unlucky not to have already represented his nation: he made his NRL debut for the Broncos late in 2019, too early for the nightmare Great Britain Lions tour of that year, and has been on the Australian side of the Covid border regulations ever since.
He missed both of last year’s fixtures, but has used the time to build as solid a case for inclusion as any of the uncapped players that Wane could include in his squad for the tournament.
With a home World Cup coming up at the end of the season, there is everything to play for and a coach to impress if Farnworth is to achieve his dream of pulling on the red and white in the opening game of the tournament at Newcastle’s St James’ Park stadium, where England will face Samoa in front of a likely 50,000 crowd.
Speaking exclusively to The Roar, Farnworth said that game in Newcastle was one of his main goals for the season, with winning the World Cup on home soil the ultimate dream.
“There’s the goal to have a solid season here with the Broncos and to win some games, and then obviously the goal to play in the World Cup side for England, and hopefully we go on to win it,” he said.
“He (Wane) is coming over next week so we’re going to catch up for a coffee.
“I’ve actually not met him in person before. I’ve met him over Zoom meetings but since Covid we’ve not been able to see each other. He’s coming to Magic Round.”
Wane facing a difficult task in picking his starting centres for the World Cup. Their most recent fixture had Reece Lyne and Zak Hardaker in the centres – unlikely to be repeated at the World Cup – but there is a depth of talent in the position.
New Wests Tigers signing Oliver Gildart featured for Great Britain in 2019, while Mark Percival of St Helens has been a standout for several years in Super League. John Bateman, current England captain, has played there in the past.
Farnworth said it was hard for him to compare the talent because the role differed so much between Super League and the NRL.
“It’s hard to compare, because I’ve not played Super League, but when I first came into the NRL, it’s so quick and tight around the ruck. Every metre is hard to get,” he said.
“In the NRL, everything is based on D and trying to limit yards. It’s a hard competition.
“Here, the backs are working a lot in yardage and from what I see of Super League, there’s a lot more emphasis on getting on the end of shape. It’s just a difference in style.”
The challenge for the Brisbane centre is simply to be the best he can be, and make such an impression on the coach that he has to pick him.
For Farnworth, returning home – where he has never played as an adult – would be the culmination of years of effort.
“I have to get in the team first, and I don’t want to get too excited yet,” he said.
“If I get the chance, it will mean everything to me. Ever since I was a little kid, I dreamed of playing for England and walking out in my home country would be unbelievable.
“I get a lot of people thinking I’m half Australian, but I’m definitely not! I lived all my life in England and moved out here when I was 17 to try and crack the NRL.
“It took a lot of sacrifice and hard work, I left all my family and friends at home, so going back home to play for England would be unbelievable to be honest.
“It’ll be nice to play over in England, because I’ve not played there since I was 16. I played all my amateur footy over there with Wigan St Pats and then Newton Storm, but I’ve not played there as an adult.
“I’ve got a following from where I’m from in England, who always watch my games, plus my friends and family. It’ll be nice to go over and play for England and do well for my country.”
matth
Roar Guru
And when confronted by facts, swoosh and he’s gone
Nat
Roar Guru
Hahahahahahahaha. "facts". Care to back them up with any references or just shooting your mouth off? Any context, like postponements? Refunds? Or the "fact" there is over 30k tickets sold in a 52k seat stadium? Tell me is that "close to half sold.." Opps... :laughing: :laughing: This suburban game has secured a $2b deal. That's about one month that would subsidize both the SR AU and A League whole season. Tell me again who is broke? :laughing: :laughing: The English version that no one watches also has a higher revenue stream than the SR AU and A-League. It turned a profit in a pandemic year while selling out over 45k tickets (covid restricted) to the GF. Opps. 2 minutes on google and your "facts" become a joke. Keep coming though. More money for league that your code really needs. Not that you are a fan of football like you claim or do you need to hide behind 20 profiles to comment on other codes? No, just a league fan who thinks any interaction is "friends". Here's a tip, friends laugh with you not at you. Everyone is laughing at you.
Eric
Guest
I'll keep going.. RL needs all the money it can Russell up Nat Hence why you're so precious. For your information that game in October that's been on sale for over 2 years isn't close to half sold.. Oops facts sorry Nat
eagleJack
Roar Guru
The irony Eric is that I’m far from a cheerleader for the International game of rugby league. So a lot of what you say resonates with me. But just because you’re far more likely to see me at a Wallabies match or an Origin game rather than at the Kangaroos, doesn’t mean I’ll bemoan or belittle those that enjoy it. What’s the point? Why mock people repeatedly for enjoying a sport that you don’t particularly like? Find a hobby that uplifts others. I reckon you’ll enjoy it more.
Nat
Roar Guru
Is it a fact that a game in Oct isn't sold out today? Hahahahahahaha. Keep going money maker!!
Eric
Guest
So they're not facts Nat?? So those games I mentioned were sellouts mate?? As I said you don't like facts unless they're sugarcoated
Mike Meehall Wood
Editor
You need to go to Burnley. You'd be quickly dissuaded of that notion.
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
The Blues can do the same thing with Newcastle. :silly:
Nat
Roar Guru
"facts"? No, no plural in your one statement. Has anyone ever disagreed that league is not as popular OS? You are the only one having this argument and it is you, as a person who is the pure definition of a troll, that people dislike not your one statement.
Eric
Guest
So I'm pathetic because I take the p*** out of Rugby League? The Rugby League community are a soft lot. Although I do love you guys
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Let’s just say he’s from Ipswich and not quibble over which Ipswich.
Pickett
Roar Rookie
Why am I not suprised by this? With a name like 'Herbie Farnworth'.... I can just picture him sitting in the garden of a quaint English village and Sir John Gielgud comes to him carrying a silver plate with a cup of tea and cumber sandwiches. Sir John: Your afternoon tea, Lord Farnworth Herbie: Thank you John. Any news of interest? Sir John: There's a letter next to the cucumber sandwiches sir. I gather it may concern your future playing career in that game of Rugba Leeg wot? Herbie: Thank you John Just what I was waiting for old chap. Sir John: Will that be all sir? Herbie: Yes John, you can go your merry way now...
Phil
Roar Rookie
It will be great to see Herbie run out in England's colours in the World Cup. He'll have a following from Brisbane fans as well as the Poms. I doubt they have a better centre than Herbie playing in England so here's hoping he makes it. Looking forward to the event.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
If the Poms have two centres better than Herbie they’re doing very well.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
:laughing:
eagleJack
Roar Guru
I imagine, Eric, if you were a member and your comments were recorded it would perhaps force you into a bit of self-reflection. If you were to click on your own Profile and see page after page after page of comments saying the same thing, maybe you’d take a step back. I mean I’d be embarrassed and I’m sure your fear is that you’d be embarrassed about how you spend your time. So you remain a guest. Oblivious to the pathetic life you lead.
Eric
Guest
Eaglejack what does it matter if I comment as a member of guest? I still get the same reactions from the same die-hards. Who do you think will win the Rugby League Heritage Cup? I mean "World" Cup?
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Yes, Eric, you are the textbook definition of a tr oll. Trawl through pages of league forums to push the one talking point ad nauseum. Not to add to the debate, but to illicit certain responses. It’s tiresome. But I guess we keep feeding you. The Roar really needs to look at removing “guest” posts. If you don’t want your thoughts recorded, then you don’t deserve a voice. You can still maintain anonymity. But the impact would be less Eric’s. Unless you want to join Eric, as you appear to be quite proud of your work?
Eric
Guest
So I'm a troll Now? That's what I said earlier Nat. Cmon mate. I just like bringing up facts you die-hards aren't keen on reading. Who do you think will win the RL "World" Cup Nat?
criag
Roar Rookie
:stoked: