Herbie Farnworth will be the first Englishman to step back onto a professional rugby field on Thursday morning - with the national coach among those watching.
The 20-year-old Brisbane Broncos outside back is set to come off the bench as Australia’s NRL relaunches behind closed doors with Parramatta Eels the opposition.
Born in the tiny Lancashire village of Blacko, near Burnley, Farnworth was on the books at Manchester United for two years as a youngster, before his family emigrated Down Under.
Since then his star has continued to rise with the Broncos, where he made his first grade debut last season before featuring in this year’s opening two rounds before the competition was suspended.
Recent reports in Australia say five NRL clubs and rugby union are all targeting Farnworth once his contract expires later this year.
And he is firmly on the radar of England coach Shaun Wane ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Wane said: “I was aware of him a long, long time ago when he was at Wigan St Pat’s.
“I was told about him by various people and watched a bit of footage on him - he was rising up the ranks playing really well and the next thing we heard he was going to Australia to sign for Brisbane Broncos.
“It’s very impressive what he’s done and how he’s gone about it. He’s a great athlete and an outstanding player.”
Farnworth - who represented England at youth level and also played for amateur club Newton Storm - showed his class with a brilliant flick pass to create a Broncos try in their March win over South Sydney.
He is one of seven Englishmen set to feature in the NRL this weekend, with Canberra’s John Bateman still not fully recovered from his shoulder surgery.
Wane added: “I’ll be watching them all many, many times - Herbie and all the rest.
“As an outside back he has good hands, a good catch and pass and he’s tall and athletic.
“His fundamental skills are what impressive me most - people can look at the flashy side, which he’s more than capable of, but I want my players’ fundamentals to be good.
“He’s a great talent now and to be pushing for a starting spot at Brisbane Broncos is very impressive at his age.”
