HERBIE Farnworth enjoyed his first taste of international Rugby League and he certainly made an impression.

The talented teenager made his England Under 16s debut in a two-test series against France in Pia - the second of which he was named man-of-the-match for his try-scoring exploits.

It is another stepping stone for the talented 16-year-old who has been taken under the wing of Brian Foley, the former Wigan Warriors Youth Development and Performance manager.

Foley was responsible for nurturing the talents of some of the club's best young players who went on to become top internationals - including superstar Sam Tomkins and Owen Farrell - and Herbie has the chance to follow in their footsteps.

In the first Test against France, the former Blacko Primary School pupil played in his favoured full back role in a 28-18 win then was the star of the show in the second test, scoring two tries while playing on the win to help secure a 28-20 victory.

"He played in his favoured full back position in the first game and in my opinion that was his best game as he was defensively superb, having to make several important try saving tackles," said dad Richard.

"But he was on the wing for the second game and was probably more eye-catching because he scored two tries.

"It was great for him to get the man of the match award. Myself and his mum Joanne were out there and as a family we are all very proud."

The talented teenager, who lives in Barrowford, will continue his Rugby League education when he flies out to Australia to play for the third summer in a row.

He will once again be playing for Burleigh Bears Under 16s on the Gold Coast but has also been invited to train with the Brisbane Broncos youth set-up.

Farnworth Senior is grateful to family friend Foley for the help and guidance he has given Herbie.

"Brian has been brilliant. He has been a family friend for a very long time and has a wealth of experience in rugby league and his knowledge of the game is second to none," added Richard who is Director at Farnworth Rose Solicitors in Nelson.

"His work with the youth set-up at Wigan Warriors is well documented and he was responsible for nurturing the talents of the likes of Sam Tomkins and Owen Farrell.

"Brian knows what his best for Herbie. He has trained and advised him well and has guided him in the right way.

"So we know Herbie is in save hands."

Herbie currently plays for Newton Storm and dad Richard says he his son is determined to carve out a future in the game.

"It is still early but Herbie would love to have a future in Rugby League," he said. "He is very determined, trains and eats the right way and looks after himself. The aim is to continue his education out in Australia and perhaps link up with the Broncos and take it from there.

"I was never a rugby player myself but his older brothers, William and Marcus, both play and are very supportive and we would all love to see Herbie do as well as he can."