Herbie Farnworth is set for his second test appearance for England after a try scoring debut in England’s World Cup opener against Samoa last week as his side claimed a 60-6 win over Samoa to kick start the tournament at St James’ Park.
Being back in England for the first time in years has given Farnworth the chance to train with his Uncle Brian Foley once again.
Foley has been a huge part of Farnworth’s development as a player taking the centre on regular trips to Australia to play the game prior to him signing for Brisbane Broncos.
Even after that, Foley would help Farnworth out with individual sessions on the Broncos’ training field but after the pandemic hit, Foley hasn’t been able to return to Australia so it’s been a long time since the star centre has been reunited with his uncle.
Now in England for the World Cup, Farnworth has met up with his uncle and typically has done some individualised sessions with him just like old times according to the Canberra Times.
You may wonder what makes Foley such a well of knowledge for Farnworth.
Well Foley was a development coach and recruiter for Wigan Warriors prior to his retirement and taking Farnworth to Australia on the aforementioned regular trips.
Foley helped oversee the development of many Super League stars including Josh Charnley, Lee Mossop, Liam Farrell and Sean O’Loughlin.
Intriguingly he also oversaw the development of Farnworth’s England teammate Michael McIlorum as well as Farnworth’s England skipper Sam Tomkins.
On top of that, he also got to work with teenagers like Kevin Sinfield, James Roby, James Graham and Rob Burrow when they were being named for the England development teams during their youth.
However, his home was always Wigan which begs the question: Could we see Farnworth in a Cherry and White shirt one day. After all, if he ever wanted a move to Super League, perhaps the Warriors would be in the box seat.
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