Former Wigan St Patricks youngster set for NRL debut

Former Wigan St Patricks winger Herbie Farnworth is set to make his NRL debut for Brisbane this weekend as they take on Cronulla. 

Farnworth is one of three players Broncos youngsters who could make their bow in this weekend’s round 16 clash at the Sharks.

The Lancashire-born youngster was a promising footballer and signed for Manchester United at the age of 10, but decided to make the move Down Under at the age of 14 to concentrate on his rugby career.

The 19-year-old played for England Under-16s against France and caught the eye of Broncos talent scouts while playing for Burleigh Bears.

He in contracted with Anthony Seibold’s side until the end 0f 2020 and has been starring for Norths Devils, Brisbane’s feeder club, in recent months.

Farnworth is joined in the Broncos squad for this Sunday’s clash with the Sharks by winger Xavier Coates and prop Rhys Kennedy.

Seibold has been forced to ring the changes due to State of Origin call-ups and a number of injuries. His side currently in 13th, four places off the play-offs.