Interest in Herbie goes bananas: 20 clubs in five codes offered deals

Herbie Farnworth re-signed with the Broncos after his manager and uncle Brian Foley fielded offers from 20 clubs in five codes.

The 20-year-old outside back inked a two-year deal on Thursday in a huge boost to the Broncos as they prepare for Friday's clash with the Sharks, the same club Farnworth debuted against last year in a 24-22 win on the road.

Farnworth, who was in the Manchester United youth system when living in England, fielded interest from seven NRL clubs and from NFL, AFL, European rugby union and Premier League soccer teams.

"I decided to stay because I think we have a really good young side coming through and I have a lot of belief in the side and the staff here as well," Farnworth told NRL.com.

"Seibs [Anthony Seibold] is a great coach and I am confident that in the next couple of years we can do something special.

"Brian handled the negotiations really well. He made me aware of the offers but he kept it pretty low key which enabled me to focus on my first full-time year in grade.

"There were some good offers out there but it is heaps of relief to get the future sorted so now I can focus on this season and the next two years."

Foley said the interest in Farnworth initially stemmed from "the six poles" NRL.com story in 2018 which "went global".

The story highlighted Farnworth's Manchester United background and how he had fine-tuned his skills for years on a Lancashire green with Foley, using six training poles.

The various codes then acquired video footage of his athleticism, speed and ability to kick with both feet before deciding to make a move.

Foley, a former Wigan Warriors recruiter and development coach, individually called all 20 clubs to inform them his nephew was staying with the Broncos before he re-signed because he said it was "the professional thing to do", turning down several big money offers to stay for less.

Foley said despite Brisbane's difficult patch, his nephew and the other young players club would come out the other side wiser for the experience.

"Herbie stayed at the Broncos out of pure loyalty and a belief that this young squad can go places. He is at a good club with good people," Foley told NRL.com from Lancashire.

"He is a unique athlete that can adapt to different sports but I didn’t want to drain him with all the offers I had received. His heart is with rugby league and he is dedicated to the cause.

"The Broncos are going through a transitional process of being great again. Herbie has had to learn the tough way. but I know from my own experience that it has got to be a time factor with young players and that you've got to be patient.

"Occasionally you go through the hard times to appreciate the good times."

Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold, who has played Farnworth on the wing or in the centres this year, said his re-signing was "great for the club".

"He has a really strong work ethic and a lot of potential," Seibold said.

"His journey from the UK to Australia is a terrific story and he has shown a lot of resilience and perseverance over a number of years to create the opportunity he has at the Broncos.

"Herbie has also shown fantastic commitment to us when there was high levels of interest from other clubs, and he should be applauded for that loyalty."

Farnworth said he spoke to recruitment chief Peter Nolan on Thursday about the déjà vu experience of good things happening to him when the Sharks were on the horizon.

"It seems to be a good sign when we play against the Sharks," he said.

"Last year I made my debut with Xavier Coates and Keenan Palasia, and Rhys Kennedy made his club debut as well, so it was a good win that day with what I think was the youngest Broncos side ever.

"It will be a good tester for us. We saw a lot of good signs in that first half against the Storm last week and all the boys are confident going into the Sharks game."

Foley lived in Brisbane to help Farnworth through his initial years at the Broncos. He said he would be back in Brisbane next year but in the meantime still managed to do his "six poles" training with Farnworth via WhatsApp.