Brisbane Broncos 2021: Tesi Niu and Herbie Farnworth train at centre ahead of first trial match

Two of Brisbane’s exciting young stars have been training at centre as Kevin Walters prepares for his first game in charge for their first trial match early next month.

Coach Kevin Walters takes Brisbane Broncos training at Red Hill.

Dynamite Brisbane youngster Tesi Niu and UK import Herbie Farnworth have trained at centre ahead of Kevin Walters first game in charge against Wynnum Manly next month.

The Broncos have announced they will play their first trial match of 2021 against Intrust Super Cup team Wynnum Manly Seagulls at Kitchener Park on February 19.

The trial team has yet to be selected, with an expected mix between experienced players and emerging talent likely to be picked for the match.

Tesi Niu at Broncos training. Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

However, the playing group have been involved in a number of 13-on-13 drills at Red Hill since pre-season resumed on January 4, in an early indication of Walters plans to do with his side ahead of the 2021 season.

With strike centre Kotoni Staggs still sidelined with a knee injury, the centre spots remain one of the key areas Walters wants to fill.

Farnworth and Niu rotated between both right and left centre during Tuesday’s training run, with pre-season recruit David Mead also filling in at times.

Niu has been earmarked as a future NRL star, playing six games (two off the bench and four at fullback) for the Broncos during his debut season in 2020.

However, the 19-year-old is no stranger to the centre spot — starring in that position for the Queensland Under 18s Origin squad in 2019, scoring two tries in the match.

Former Brisbane captain Corey Parker was confident Niu would be in the starting 17 this year.

“He played centre for Queensland Under 18s and he filled that role pretty well,” Parker said.

“He’s an electric player and he only needs to touch the ball to create something.

“He’ll be in the team for sure.”

Meanwhile, Farnworth has returned to Red Hill for the first time since going into quarantine after spending Christmas with his family in the UK.

Herbie Farnworth at Brisbane Broncos training. Picture: Liam Kidston

The 21-year-old played 19 games for the Broncos in 2020, primarily at centre or on the wing, and looks to hold his spot for the upcoming NRL season.

The Broncos head coach confirmed Farnworth was in contention for a Round 1 spot.

“He’s very impressive,” Walters said.

“The Queensland sun may have got to him for a bit but he’s in great shape.

“He’s done everything he can overseas and in quarantine and it will be good for him to get some work and volume with the team to get his preparation right for Round 1.”