English NRL star declares State of Origin interest and talks 2026 Rugby League World Cup

One of England’s star players has confirmed his interest in playing State of Origin but insists his goal is the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.

NRL centre Herbie Farnworth is arguably among the top five at his position in the world and some would claim top two based on the fact he has made the Dally M Team of the Year the past two seasons, becoming the only Englishman ever to be named to that side more than once.

Farnworth is seen as a lock for one of the centre spots later in this year’s Ashes series against Australia and he’s confirmed the Ashes and next year’s Rugby League World Cup to be among his ‘main goals’.

That’s despite him declaring his interest to represent Queensland at State of Origin, something he admits is unlikely given the current eligibility rules. Currently, players who have represented other Tier One nations (New Zealand and England) cannot play in Australia’s state v state competition.

There is ongoing debate about the eligibility of that though with England star Victor Radley a prime example. Radley was born and raised in New South Wales and is to all extent Australian, however, he chooses to represent England due to his father’s heritage.

Farnworth has now expressed his own interest at representing Queensland, should the rules chane.

Farnworth “keen” on Queensland as he previews “interesting” 2026 Rugby League World Cup

The 25-year-old has been a mainstay in the NRL in recent years but his journey began when he had a trial with Burleigh Bears aged 14, something which later saw him move to Australia permanently and play under 17s before signing with Brisbane Broncos.

He’d make 79 appearances for the Broncos before making the switch to The Dolphins, for whom he has played eight times in 2025 with the centre scoring three tries.

In a wide-ranging interview with Fox Sports, Farnworth said he would be “keen” to represent Queensland, though admitted it was unlikely and his main focus remained on England, the Ashes and next year’s Rugby League World Cup.

“I think anyone would be lying to say that they didn’t want to play Origin,” he explained.

“I can’t see the rules getting changed so I can play, but I’ve been over here since I was 14 or 15, so if they ever did I’d be keen to play for Queensland.

“But as long as I can still keep playing for England, that’s my main goal going into the Ashes and the World Cup next year.”

Farnworth reckons that next year’s World Cup is set to be one of the most competitive ever on account of a number of players changing their allegiance to the nations of their parents and heritage.

That’s seen Farnworth’s former teammate Payne Haas, widely considered the best prop and one of the best players in the NRL, sounded out about representing Samoa.

Farnworth said: “I think this World Cup in 2026 will be the most evenly spread talent-wise that we’ve ever had, so it’ll be interesting what ends up happening.

“I think it’s good that boys are stepping up and with all the payments the same now, playing for their home nation, or whoever they feel fit to play for.”

He concluded: “It’s a great thing for the game, but if you’re an Aussie, you’re probably not loving it.”