England sweating on fitness of Herbie Farnworth
Shaun Wane will be hoping that Brisbane Broncos centre Herbie Farnworth will be fit to represent England at this year’s Rugby League World Cup.
Farnworth, 22, suffered a bicep injury during his side’s recent 24-18 win over Canberra Raiders in the NRL.
The Lancashire-born centre has scored 19 tries in 53 appearances in the NRL for the Suncorp Stadium side. Having appeared for England at junior level, Wane admits that the former Wigan St Pats youngster will be in his England plans if fit.
Speaking after the game against Canberra, Broncos coach Kevin Walters revealed that it could be a season-ending injury for Farnworth.
“I’ve text him, but I’ve not heard anything back yet,” Wane said.
“It’s a torn bicep I’ve heard, (which could be) three to four months.
“I know what they’re like. Sometimes they’re very, very quick and sometimes they’re very, very slow. We’ll have a look at that in a couple of months time.
“It would be a shame because I met Herbie in Brisbane when I was over there and he’s a big athlete and would definitely play a part in the World Cup.”
Shaun Wane continues England preparations
The England boss recently travelled to Australia during the NRL’s Magic Weekend round to continue his preparations for World Cup tournament.
Wane revealed that the door remains open for Victor Radley and Jackson Hastings, who both qualify through the heritage rule. 26-year-old half-back Hastings previously represented Great Britain in their tour Down Under in 2019.
On his trip to Australia, Wane added: “I went over last week and I met everybody. I’m watching them every week like I do with Super League games. I didn’t get the chance to catch up with Dom Young, I spoke to his agent but couldn’t get a hold of Dom.
“But everybody is up for contention. Tom Burgess, George Burgess, all them; I’m watching them every week. If they’re playing well in the forthcoming months, then they’ve got a chance.”
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