England international stars in NRL just hours after leaving hospital amid ‘pretty serious’ issue

England international Herbie Farnworth played a key role in the Dolphins’ NRL win against Canterbury Bulldogs just hours after getting out of hospital.

Farnworth spent two days in hospital earlier this week due to a leg infection that required treatment. As such, the centre came close to sitting out the clash on Thursday morning at the Accor Stadium, but he made the decision to fly down from Brisbane to Sydney just a few hours before kick-off to represent Kristian Woolf’s side.

The centre had a key role to play, too, as the Dolphins stunned Canterbury, winning 44-8 in testing conditions down under. Farnworth scored their fourth try of the game and he set one up, too, in a game to remember for the side who have struggled to find consistency this season.

After the game, Farnworth opened up about the decision he made to play after a challenging week.

“I got out this morning and flew down a couple of hours ago,” Farnworth said while speaking to reporters after the game.

“I just got a bit crook but managed to turn a corner this morning. It was a late call to come, but I’m glad I did. When you’re on the field, you just ignore that stuff.

“It was a tough one today, but I’m just glad the boys turned up.”

NRL head coach Kristian Woolf reveals Herbie Farnworth’s injury

Clearing up the reason why he was in hospital, former St Helens chief Woolf added: “He has got a pretty serious infection on his leg.

“There’s some really brave efforts, and it was particularly brave from him obviously.”

Farnworth has been in good form this season so far and in 12 Dolphins outings he has managed to score seven NRL tries, making him one of the most prolific players in the competition. He’ll be keen to carry that form into this autumn’s Ashes Test series against Australia, that is for certain.