The Brisbane Broncos have struggled over the past two years, winning their first wooden spoon in club history, experiencing a change in coaching staff and losing many promising talents.

One shining light during this trying time though has been Lancashire native Herbie Farnworth, who made his NRL debut for the Broncos in 2019 and has gone on to be a consistent first-grade player, making over 40 appearances for Queensland’s oldest NRL club.

Farnworth is off-contract at the end of 2022 and is currently free to negotiate with rival clubs.

It seems the Broncos will have to endure quite the battle on their hands if they want to keep their gun centre beyond this year, as Channel Nine’s The Mole is reporting that both the NRL’s newest franchise The Dolphins and Gallagher Premiership (English Rugby Union) clubs.

SIGNING NEWS!
English rugby chasing rising NRL tryscorer! https://t.co/w8OeADcA1P pic.twitter.com/ynNEz0VwVk

— The Mole (@9_Moley) January 12, 2022

“The Brisbane Broncos have a massive new obstacle in their bid to retain impressive young centre Herbie Farnworth – English rugby union,” said The Mole.

“Farnworth, who was born and raised in England, is already on the radar of the Dolphins for their inaugural season in the NRL in 2023.

“But Wide World of Sports has learned that English rugby union scouts have also pencilled in the 22-year-old Farnworth as a possible recruit.”

It is believed that the Dolphins are desperate to sign an outside back and are willing to pay overs to get Farnworth to the club.

For now, Farnworth’s goal will likely be to make his International Rugby League debut for England in this year’s Rugby League World Cup which will be hosted by the Three Lions.

He was in England’s provisional squad at the beginning of 2021, but was controversially dropped by head coach Shaun Wane in April due to a “dip in form”.

“I keep a very close eye on the NRL and enjoy regular contact with the England squad players Down Under,” said Wane.

“The players know the standards expected of them as England players.

“Herbie’s standards have dipped below what I expect. It’s as simple as that.”

Farnworth will be looking to prove Wane wrong by having a big 2022, and possibly impress some potential suitors while he’s at it.