Herbie Farnworth overcame family heartache to star for England in win over Samoa

Herbie Farnworth put family heartache behind him to help destroy Samoa - and then took aim at .

The silky centre delivered an immense seal a series whitewash at Headingley. Showing slick footwork and raw power to leave defenders in his wake, the devastating Dolphins star scored two tries and set another up for Jack Welsby. But Farnworth shone despite missing training a few days previously following the sad passing of his beloved nana.

England boss Shaun Wane praised him for his professionalism and brilliance, hailing him the star of the series. Farnworth has certainly underlined his world-class status. And the 24 year-old, who was on the books of and hometown Burnley before concentrating on rugby league, can't wait for the Ashes. A three-Test series with champions Australia, initially scheduled for Down Under, is set to be switched to the UK next year.

Farnworth, who emigrated to Australia to join Brisbane Broncos when aged just 17, will hopefully face the Kangaroos for the first time in his burgeoning career. He said: “It’s always nice to challenge yourself against the world’s best. They are ranked one for a reason. It’ll be a good marker for the [2026] World Cup but I think we’ve got the talent here and the hard work to get the job done next year.

“This Test series was a success and now we’re building for the Ashes. We’re definitely up there [with Australia]. Like you’ve seen with these two past matches we have some very, very talented lads. Mikey Lewis, Man of Steel, was on the bench today so that just shows how good our depth is.

“Even Junior [Nsemba]. He’s only 20, got his first cap today and next year he’ll be 21 after a full year of Super League. There’s Kai Pearce-Paul and so many others; they’ll all have another year under their belts and will come right into their prime for the World Cup.”

Wigan second-row Nsemba and try-scoring club-mate Liam Marshall debuted as England again proved too strong for opponents who dumped them out of the last World Cup. Superb skipper George Williams got on the scoresheet along with Matty Ashton while Harry Smith slotted five goals in another imperious display from the Wigan scrum-half. And red-hot Farnworth has warned there’s even more to come from him.

Having also starred and scored in the first Test, he was asked if he had just delivered the two best performances of his career. Farnworth replied: “I don’t know. I always like to think I just keep building on my game. I always like to be better than I was the week before - so hopefully when I start the year I go again.”

Meanwhile, it is unlikely Farnworth will ever be seen in Super League any time soon given he is in the peak of his powers and even rated by some as the world's best centre following his recent form. But he says "it’s always in the back of my mind" so perhaps he will return home one day to play club football in the UK. Farnworth explained: "I love testing myself week in week out and we’ve got a great club at the Dolphins.

"Similar to England: we have some really good young talent. Izzy Katoa today just slotted the field goal for Tonga to beat the Kiwis and he’s only 20. It just shows the talent we have in Brisbane. I’m just enjoying myself and maybe one day I might be back in Super League, you never know."