From the quiet village of Blacko in Lancashire to the bright lights of Brisbane, Herbie Farnworth has carved out a reputation as one of the NRL’s finest centres.
Now, the 25-year-old is set to play a starring role for England in their first Rugby League Ashes series against Australia since 2003, with hopes high that he could help deliver a historic victory.
NRL Star and England’s ‘Cheat Code’
Farnworth, a key member of Shaun Wane’s squad, has consistently impressed at the highest level. Named Dally M centre of the year in 2023 and 2024, he was pivotal in England’s 2-0 win over Samoa in 2024, scoring three tries and topping metres gained.
Despite a hamstring injury in August that curtailed his season with the Dolphins, Farnworth remains a vital figure for England, with captain George Williams calling him a “cheat code” in the NRL.
A Journey from Football to Rugby League Glory
Once a promising footballer on the books at Manchester United and courted by Burnley and Manchester City, Farnworth dedicated himself to rugby league under the guidance of his uncle, former Wigan scout Brian Foley.
He excelled with Wigan St Patricks before moving to Australia at 17. Signed by Brisbane Broncos, he debuted in 2019, later joining the Dolphins in 2024. Despite his status, Farnworth remains grounded, embracing his Lancashire roots while mentoring new squad members like AJ Brimson, who recently switched international allegiance from Australia to England.
Ashes Ambitions and Home Comforts
With the first Test at Wembley expected to attract around 60,000 fans, Farnworth is fully aware of the occasion’s magnitude. “It’s very, very special. It might be every 20 years that we get this chance,” he said.
Enjoying family time near Manchester during the series, Farnworth balances his focus on England’s Ashes ambitions with keeping a touch of northern culture alive for teammates like Brimson, showing that off-field camaraderie is just as important as on-field brilliance.
Discussion about this post