HERBIE Farnworth has a chance to follow in the footsteps of his heroes after he was selected to represent England Rugby League’s youth team.

The 16-year-old from Barrowford - regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in the sport - will play two test matches against France at Easter.

He is the first player to be selected for international honours who is not attached to a professional club – a fact made more impressive as he is not from a major Rugby League catchment area.

The former Blacko Primary School pupil has been working under the guidance of his uncle, coach and mentor Brian Foley who believes Herbie has all the attribution to go all the way in the game.

And Foley knows a thing or two about unearthing Rugby League gems. As Wigan Warriors Youth Development and Performance manager, he 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.

“The prospect of a call-up by England for full international honours is not beyond the realms of possibility,” said Foley who pioneered Warriors’ youth system.

Foley has an exceptional track record, being one of the top developers of elite players for both codes of rugby that this country has seen.

But he says it is a marathon and not a sprint and insists Herbie will not be fast-tracked to stardom.

"For me and Herbie it is not about now but tomorrow," he added. "We are building a sensible platform challenging him and moving on to the next stage.

"Herbie is rated by many as the best young player of his age in the country. For me it is irrelevant. If, in 10 years time, he is rated as up there among the best then I would be pleased."

Herbie has been one of the stand-out players in the North West Counties Premiership, firstly with Wigan St Patricks and now with Newton Storm.

And under Foley's guidance, Herbie has spent the last two school summer holidays challenging himself by playing in the high performance premiership of the Queensland competition in Australia.

And his performances led to top National Rugby League glamour club Brisbane Broncos making him a member of their elite squad.

And when Herbie’s exams are completed at the end of the school year, he will return to Brisbane Broncos with a focus on making the grade at the highest level possible - much to the dissatisfaction of super league clubs such as the Warriors.

First up is that international debut where proud parents, Joanne and Richard, will be cheering on their son who now attends Ermysteds Grammar School in Skipton.

There are sure to be more proud moments for Herbie's parents.

Herbie trains at regular intervals with the England squad, he is also fitting in the tough Brisbane Broncos training programme.

Foley believes Herbie's standing in the sport can be an inspiration to others.

"It what is one of the toughest sports you could wish to participate in, Herbie has inspired others by proving was is possible with hard and dedication," he said.

"We have many challenges ahead but Herbie is more than capable of meeting those challenges. He revels in it and that is what makes him stand out."

"It what is one of the toughest sports you could wish to participate in, Herbie has inspired others by proving was is possible with hard and dedication," he said.

"We have many challenges ahead but Herbie is more than capable of meeting those challenges. He revels in it and that is what makes him stand out."