‘Gave me goosebumps’: Farnworth set for Ashes glory

Joel Gould and George Clarke | October 7, 2025

England centre Herbie Farnworth is determined to make Ashes history after an inspirational speech by coach Shaun Wane.

The 25-year-old Dolphins star will fly out in coming days to prepare for the first three-Test Ashes series since 2003.

Wane addressed England-based players recently and showed them clips of the 1970 Great Britain side, the last team to win the Ashes off Australia.

His address was circulated on social media and had Farnworth ready to run through brick walls.

“It was very good and I got goosebumps watching that through Instagram,” Farnworth told AAP.

“I will hopefully see the speech again when I am over there.”

Wane’s Churchillian speech was rousing.

“The last time we won the Ashes, 1970,” Wane said in his address.

“This is a chance and an opportunity you can’t miss.

“You’ve got the first go at it. I expect great things from you. The idea of today’s meeting is to make it crystal clear to you what you need to do to make sure you’re in.

“Can you imagine what that feels like to win an Ashes series? It might never happen again in your playing career.”

England-born powerhouse Farnworth has not played since tearing a hamstring in the round 22 clash with the Warriors but is ready to rock Wembley Stadium in the first Test on October 26 (AEDT).

“I have been in full training and feeling match fit,” Farnworth said.

“The hamstring is good now, touch wood, so I am just excited to get back playing in the Ashes series. I can’t wait for that.

“It will be massive. Last time we had a Test series we lost 3-0. It hasn’t happened in 22 years so it might be the only Tests we play in my career.

“It is the one shot where we get to show what the English have.”

Wane is over the moon that Farnworth is fit and healthy.

“I am absolutely so happy that Herbie is going to be right for the Ashes,” Wane told AAP.

“He is a massive part of what we do. Herbie being fit is a massive shot in the arm for England.”

Farnworth and Samoa’s Stephen Crichton are regarded as the two best centres in the world on the international stage but Wane wouldn’t swap the Dolphin for anyone.

“I would say he is the best centre in the world. The way he plays, teams can’t hold him. He is a great athlete,” Wane said.

“The best part about Herbie is that he is a really good lad. He is well mannered, respectful and diligent at working on his craft and being a professional sportsman.”

Against Samoa last year Wane said Farnworth was England’s best performer “by far” to claim the player of the series.

A firing Farnworth can help England attain their ultimate goal.

“It is going to be a great atmosphere at all three grounds and very, very intimidating. There is great interest,” Wane said.

“The Australians have not been over here for the Ashes since 2003 and we have not won it for 50-odd years.

“All the pressure is on us and we have to be very, very good. That’s why I have been absolutely obsessed in making sure our standards are good over here in Super League.”