Shaun Wane makes ‘best in the world’ claim after English Rugby League star’s award nod

England Rugby League boss Shaun Wane has suggested that Herbie Farnworth is in the conversation as one of ‘the best players in the world’.

Those comments have come in light of Farnworth being named on the shortlist for the IRL (International Rugby League) Golden Boot award, something that has not been won by an Englishman since 2018.

Tommy Makinson won the award back then and Farnworth could become another English outside back to do so following his nomination.

The Dolphins centre was named to the initial 17-man long list recently but that’s now been whittled down to half a dozen with Tonga’s Addin Fonua-Blake, New Zealand’s Keanu Kini and three Australians in Harry Grant, Tom Trbojevic and Isaah Yeo.

News of Farnworth’s nomination is proof that he is among the elite in rugby league according to Shaun Wane with the England head coach reacting to the 24-year-old’s nomination in comments made on the RFL website.

Nomination proves Herbie Farnworth is among the Rugby League elite, argues Wane

Farnworth had a stellar series against Samoa and showcased exactly why he has been named in the NRL Dally M Team of the Year for the past two seasons at centre.

Wane recognised those accolades as well as this most recent award nod as evidence that Farnworth is among the very best rugby league players in the world.

The England boss said: “This is deserved recognition for Herbie following a terrific season with the Dolphins in which he was named Dally M Centre of the Year and two fantastic performances in our Test Series victory over Samoa.

“Herbie was a standout player for us in the Rugby League World Cup which was only two years ago, but you can see how much he has progressed and moved forward as a player since then, and is now genuinely in the conversation around the best players in the world as this nomination shows.”

During the Test series against Samoa, Wane jokingly said ‘I’m just glad he’s English’ as he spoke on the centre’s exceptional talent and the ease of coaching him.

Reacting to this latest award nod, he’s said: “It was great working with Herbie again throughout the Samoa series and we are all hoping he continues to go from strength to strength with the prospect of a huge Ashes Series against Australia on the horizon.”

Farnworth will learn if he is successful in being named the Golden Boot winner in early December with James Graham one of the three-man panel to decide on the award.