ERMYSTED'S student Herbie Farnworth helped the the England under-16 rugby league team win their two-match Test series in France 2-0.

Farnworth's performances attracted a lot of attention with top English and French rugby union clubs as well as Super League outfits monitoring his progress.

But his mind set is on Australia where he is a member of Brisbane Broncos elite training squad. After his GCSE exams, Farnworth will be spending his third summer Down Under.

His progress has been followed every step of the way by for Wigan Youth Welfare officer Brian Foley who was responsible for overseeing the development of many top rugby league stars..

He said: "Herbie continues to impress he is a big stage player, he steps up to and passes the mark at each challenge.

"I have been fortunate to have coached so many top grade players who have gone on to excel in both codes. Herbie is not only a top class athlete he is a top class, modest young man who remains focused and unfazed by all the attention he deservedly receives."