Herbie Farnworth set to sign new extension with Broncos

The Brisbane Broncos are set to hold onto their prized outside back, with the young star turning his back on a host of suitors.

Herbie Farnworth, Brisbane Broncos training, Red Hill. Picture: Liam Kidston

Herbie Farnworth is set to stay in Brisbane, with the promising outside back likely to ink a multimillion-dollar extension with the Broncos.

News Corp revealed on Wednesday night that Farnworth and his management held a secret meeting with Broncos bosses on Tuesday night at a Brisbane restaurant, with Farnworth verbally committing to Red Hill beyond the end of this year.

With the Roosters, Raiders, Knights and Dolphins circling, the Broncos are keen not to lose any more young talent, and have upped the ante in contract talks, seeing Farnworth close to locking in an extension that will see him through to the end of 2025.

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Despite having not put pen to paper, Broncos boss Dave Donaghy is confident he’s got his man, saying the organisation was “looking forward to getting him back on the field this year after an injury interrupted 2022”.

“He is everything you want to see in a Broncos player on and off the field and he has earnt the right to be here, he has worked really hard.

“I don’t know too many 15-year-olds from England who would relocate to Australia to chase their dreams.

“Herbie is living his dream every day at the Broncos and we’re really proud to have him here.”

The young gun isn’t going anywhere. (Photo by Ben Stansall / AFP)

Brisbane are understood to be in the advanced stages of discussions and confident of locking Farnworth in, possibly before their season opener against the Panthers on March 3.

The 23-year-old had a career year last year, scoring 10 tries in 12 games before a bicep injury ruled him out for the rest of the season.

Returning for England during the World Cup, Farnworth put himself in the limelight, doubling up against Samoa in England’s semi-final loss.

Retaining Farnworth would be a boost for the Broncos, who despite the talent of their squad, remain clouded by rumoured player distrust of coach Kevin Walters.

Donaghy said the Broncos were committed to retaining the bulk of their squad on the back of last year’s ninth-placed finish.

Herbie is parking it at Red Hill. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

“There is a really good feeling around the group, the guys are really well connected and are a happy group,” he said.

“They are training really hard and they are committed to wanting to play for each other this season.

“From a club point of view, we want to keep our core group together and see how far they can go.

“There is a lot of talent there, including Herbie, he is one of several guys who have come through our system and that’s going to be our goal - to keep them all together in the pursuit of success.”

Corey Oates said his partner on the Broncos’ left edge had returned all the better for his World Cup experience, having seen a marked change in him.

“(The World Cup) would have been a great experience for him.

“I’m really happy for him and how he went as an individual.

“He’s come back really confident and is talking more in the group huddles.”