Round seven of the 2022 NRL season took place over the weekend with eight games providing a mixed bag of results for England’s overseas contingent. Oliver Gildart and Tom Burgess both started from the bench as Wests Tigers beat South Sydney Rabbitohs by a single point. There was also more misery for the Canberra Raiders, who were humbled by table toppers Penrith Panthers.
Here’s a look at how England’s stars got on.
Herbie Farnworth, Brisbane Broncos
The Lancastrian has been ever present for the Broncos this season and played another 80 minutes as his side cruised to victory over Canterbury Bulldogs. Farnworth played in the centres and performed well, with an impressive eight tackle busts he is making a strong case for a place in Shaun Wane’s squad this autumn.
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He has scored four tries so far this season, whilst carrying the ball for an average for 137 metres per game. The 22-year-old has been solid in defence too, having only missed seven tackles so far this term.
Farnworth is clearly highly rated at the Broncos, and if he maintains the performances he has shown this season, we can expect to see him in a white shirt this autumn.
Luke Thompson, Canterbury Bulldogs
The former St Helens man was on the end of the beating by Farnworth’s Broncos. Thompson played 40 minutes of the game, racking up 40 metres post-contact. Thompson has appeared in all seven of the Bulldogs’ games so far this season, with his side only winning one of those games. He has a tackle success rate of 95% and is averaging over 100 running metres per game.
Ryan Sutton, Canberra Raiders
Sutton started in the Raiders' 36-6 defeat to Penrith from the bench, making his third appearance of the season. In total he played 55 minutes, however struggled to make an impact on the game. The Wiganer has now appeared in each of the Raiders' last three games as he looks to ensure that his name is on Shaun Wane’s team sheet for the World Cup.
Harry Rushton, Canberra Raiders
The Blackpool-born second-rower made his NRL debut this weekend, coming off of the bench during the loss to the Panthers. Rushton played 21 minutes in total, with a 100% tackle success rate. In what was only his second first-grade appearance, the ex-Wigan man has a task on his hands if he is to force his way into the reckoning for the World Cup.
Elliot Whitehead, Canberra Raiders
Whitehead had been ever-present for the Raiders this season, however a shocking facial injury in training meant that he missed the clash with the Panthers.
Dominic Young, Newcastle Knights
The Huddersfield academy product has appeared in five games this season, scoring three tries. However, he didn’t feature in the Knights’ 39-2 loss to Paramatta Eels this weekend.
Bailey Hodgson, Newcastle Knights
Another young England star playing for the Knights. Hodgson is yet to make an appearance for them this season as he recovers from an elbow injury.
Tom Burgess, South Sydney Rabbitohs
A seasoned prop forward, Burgess has been ever present for the Rabbitohs this season and played another 42 minutes in his side's narrow defeat to West Tigers. During the game, Burgess made 57 metres post-contact, making 127 metres in total. Now in his tenth season with the club, Burgess has all of the experience needed to make the squad this autumn. Should he continue to lead in the same way he has so far this season, we can expect to see him line up for England in the World Cup.
Oliver Gildart, Wests Tigers
The former Wigan man returned to the Tigers squad after missing out last time out. He came off the bench to play 40 minutes as his side snatched a win against the Rabbitohs. In total, Gildart made 65 metres and didn’t miss a single tackle as he made his return to the side. So far this season he has provided one try assist.
George Burgess, St George Illawarra Dragons
Burgess didn’t appear in the Dragons’ 14-12 win over Sydney Roosters. Burgess has only appeared twice so far this season.
