England coach Shaun Wane singles out "outstanding" Herbie Farnworth after Samoa win

HERBIE FARNWORTH’S masterclass wrapped up another series whitewash as purred: “I’m so glad he’s English!”

The classy Dolphins centre scored two tries and made misery for Samoa every time he got the ball as the hosts earned a second Test triumph at Headingley. Burnley-born Farnworth, who was on ’s books before joining Brisbane Broncos straight from school, was a different class. The 24 year-old also crossed in the first Test success and Wane - who hopes to see Yorkshire v Lancashire revived in 2025 - enthused: “Herbie’s been outstanding.

“He’s a credit to Dolphins and the NRL. I’m just glad he’s English! He’s been our standout player of the series. He’s trained well and had a bit of a personal problem this week which meant he missed a session.

“To come back and perform like that he’s a credit. Herbie’s very easy to coach and it was great to see him out there with all the fans at the end. But I thought we played well. Samoa were fantastic. There were too many points for my liking - I’m very defence-orientated - but I’m delighted to get a 2-0 win.”

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Samoa could smell their opponents’ breath they got so up close and personal in last Sunday’s controversial Siva Tau. But as England once more stood their ground on halfway for the traditional war dance, the tourists this time kept their distance. They hung about ten metres back. Perhaps that was first blood to Wane’s men.

Either way, there was no doubt who was in charge when the real action began. Wane made three changes to the side who won the first Test, Wigan duo Liam Marshall and Junior Nsemba coming in for debuts in place of Dom Young (hand) and Kai Pearce-Paul (calf) and Luke Thompson replacing Tom Burgess.

Samoa dropped Hull-bound John Asiata and stand-off Anthony Milford but it didn't help their cause. England led 22-6 at the break after dominating although they were grateful for two big calls. Firstly, Shawn Blore, who had already crossed for one try, blew a great chance when Samoa led 6-2. The Melbourne second-row ignored unmarked winger Jake Tago only to get tackled by Jack Welsby.

It proved crucial because soon after George Williams looped a long pass to winger Marshall and Super League’s top try-scorer marked his Test debut with a fine finish to nudge England 8-6 ahead. Secondly, Samoa centre Junior Pauga was harshly sin-binned for head contact on John Bateman in the 25th minute. When the visitors were down to 12 men, the ruthless hosts ran in two unanswered tries.

Williams exposed a gap to glide through for an individual score before Jeral Skelton spilled Harry Smith’s high kick and Smith sent out a lovely long pass for Matty Ashton to cross. And England, who opened the scoring with Smith’s 11th minute penalty, added a fourth try via Farnworth's fine finish following another Samoa error.

Tago hit back with a 43rd minute try, Pauga slotting his second conversion. But Farnworth showed great power for his second to shut off Samoa hopes of a fightback. He then made a brilliant midfield break, shoving off more defenders, to set up Welsby. Jeremy Nanai scored a consolation for the battered tourists but coach Ben Gardiner admitted: “England were brilliant. They deserved to win. Although Junior should have been given the benefit of the doubt for that yellow. It was a freak accident."