HERBIE Farnworth could take the biscuit by helping England avenge World Cup heartbreak – but he would rather claim the Cake.
For while arguably the best centre in the world has lived in Australia seven years, he has not forgotten where he comes from.
Without hesitation, it is Jaffa Cakes over Tim Tams – every time.
And the finest in his position in the NRL for the last two years revealed how he keeps his supply – by doing the business for club side Dolphins.
Farnworth may resemble a stereotypical Aussie – his moustache was around a long time before thoughts of Movember – but when it comes to his taste buds, there is no competition.
When asked which he preferred, he immediately shot back: “Jaffa Cakes. All day.
“I can’t find them in Australia but some fans at the Dolphins games hold up a sign saying, ‘Herbie, a photo for some Jaffa Cakes.’
“So I always go over and they give me a box of them. That’s pretty cool, now I’ve got heaps of them!
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“Life there is very different to here. In Australia, rugby league is probably their main sport but it’s nice being back here, seeing family and not being asked for pictures.
“It’s pretty cool to be back in the normal world. As I’ve gone on in my career, it’s definitely got a lot more demanding on my social life than I thought it would. You’ve just got to be careful.
“But accent-wise, I’m probably stuck at the minute. I’ve got the English accent but the Aussie slang, so when I’m in England I get teased, when I’m in Australia I get teased.
“I can’t win either way!”
Farnworth may hail from Blacko in Lancashire and live 10,000 miles away but playing in Wigan today is special.
Uncle Brian Foley was a development coach and scout for them and Herbie played amateur at the town’s famed St Patrick’s club before moving to Brisbane Broncos after impressing in summer trials.
He also used to cheer on the Warriors, notably a certain former Test team-mate, now team manager, Sam Tomkins.
And he revealed a special memento still has pride of place at his parents’ home.
He added: “Sam was a massive inspiration of mine as a kid and I used to wear his boots.
“He signed a pair and luckily I was the same size as him, even though I’d have been about 14 – I’ve still got them!
“They’re bright yellow and they’re still at my mum and dad’s house. When I played alongside him at the World Cup, I was still a bit like, ‘Woah.’
“Now I know him. He’s a very humble guy and done a lot for the English game. When I was younger, I was just a fan and players almost aren’t real to you.
“But it’s pretty cool to be around him now. I also played for St Pat’s and when I was a kid, I’d go down all the time to watch Wigan play.”
Last time Farnworth – who has been back and forth between Blacko and seen older brother Will’s new bar in nearby Clitheroe – pulled on an England shirt, he tasted agony as Samoa stunned the hosts in golden point extra time of the 2022 World Cup’s semi-final.
This time, though, things are different. He is better and boss Shaun Wane’s talent pool is far better – and they are ready to show it.
The 24-year-old told SunSport: “Memories are still vivid, for sure. It’s the second-hardest loss I’ve ever taken – it was the hardest but now it’s last years’ NRL Grand Final.
“Samoa played very well but we didn’t play how we could. We can’t wait to right that wrong.
“And I feel a better player, 100 per cent. I’d like to think I’m completely different – I was only 22, coming off a biceps injury and finding my form in the NRL. I’d like to think I’m coming into the prime of my career
“Our talent pool is a lot bigger and boys have done well in the NRL – Morgan Smithies and Kai Pearce-Paul have been standouts.
“And winning 2-0 after beating Tonga 3-0 last year would send a real message ahead of next year’s Ashes. I’m excited about what this team can do.”
