Brisbane Broncos centre Herbie Farnworth is reportedly expected to reject massive offers from several rival NRL clubs and ink a multimillion-dollar contract extension at Red Hill.
The 23-year-old, who is off-contract at the end of 2023, has quickly established himself as one of the most promising outside backs on the open market, and during the off-season received lucrative offers from multiple clubs.
But according to The Courier Mail, the British international is understood to have verbally agreed to sacrifice thousands – as well as the chance to play fullback – and remain with Broncos for the long term.
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In a massive retention coup for the Broncos, Farnworth is expected to remain at Red Hill until at least the end of 2025, following a secret meeting with club bosses at a Brisbane restaurant on Tuesday evening.
“Ever since I have come to the club and met Herbie, he is an incredibly impressive young man,” Broncos chief executive Dave Donaghy said.
“He is everything you want to see in a Broncos player on and off the field and he has earnt the right to be here, he has worked really hard.
“I don’t know too many 15-year-olds from England who would relocate to Australia to chase their dreams. Herbie is living his dream every day at the Broncos and we’re really proud to have him here.
“He is highly regarded here as a person and player and we’re looking forward to getting him back on the field this year after an injury interrupted 2022.”
Farnworth has played 53 NRL games since making his first-grade debut in 2019, scoring 10 tries in 12 matches last year before a bicep injury prematurely ended his season in Round 14.
He also represented England during last year’s Rugby League World Cup, scoring a double in the host nation’s agonising semi-final loss to Samoa.
The Broncos will face reigning premiers the Penrith Panthers in Round 1 of the 2023 season at BlueBet Stadium on Friday, March 3, with kick-off scheduled for 8.05pm AEDT.
Farnworth is likely to miss out on the fullback role at Red Hill to star recruit and Maroons No.1 Reece Walsh this season, though coach Kevin Walters said in December that Walsh has not yet nailed down the position and Farnworth would be given an opportunity through the year.
“(Farnworth) has played in the centres for England at the World Cup and he had a terrific World Cup,” Broncos captain Adam Reynolds told The Daily Telegraph last year.
“He definitely showed what he’s capable of and that was coming back after a pretty significant injury. We just have to get him on board and fit and healthy again.
“We’re all fighting (for places) and it’s only going to make us a better team.”
