Herbie Farnworth cut from England training squad

The 21-year-old Farnworth, who hails from the tiny Lancashire village of Blacko, was one of seven NRL-based players named in Wane’s 35-man squad chosen with one eye on the end-of-season World Cup.

Wane spoke to the player, who was an apprentice with Manchester United in his early days, during a visit back home over Christmas and, as with all the NRL players, maintained contact via zoom calls.

In a statement issued by the Rugby Football League, Wane said: “I keep a very close eye on the NRL and enjoy regular contact with the England squad players Down Under.

“The players know the standards expected of them as England players. Herbie’s standards have dipped below what I expect. It’s as simple as that.”