Former England U18 fly-half Worboys scores 23 points to fire Manawatu past North Harbour

George Worboys kicked nine goals from nine attempts — five penalties and four conversions — to score 23 points as Manawatu defeated North Harbour 43-40 in the NPC on Saturday, snapping the visitors’ three-game winning streak.

The 25-year-old’s haul is the most by a Manawatu player in a single game since Brett Cameron scored 23 against Southland in 2021, and the most by any Turbos player against North Harbour since Andre Taylor’s 27-point effort in a 42-16 win in 2009. Worboys also matched Cameron’s five-penalty mark from a 2021 win over Counties Manukau. Beyond the boot, his cross-kick directly created a try for Mosese Bason, and he made the first pass in a Kyle Brown score.

Worboys came to Manawatu via an unlikely route. A product of the Bath Rugby Academy, the former England Under-18 first five — who trained alongside British and Irish Lions fly-half Finn Russell at Bath — made only 13 appearances in five seasons at the Premiership club. A spell at Chinnor RFC proved more productive: he scored 192 points in 16 appearances and helped the club win promotion from National League 1 to the Championship. Time at Ealing Trailfinders followed, where he won 17 of 20 matches, but he never fully established himself.

The move to Palmerston North, his third stint in New Zealand after previous visits with Inside Running Rugby Academy in Mount Maunganui and a summer in Christchurch, has changed that. Worboys made an immediate impression off the bench in Manawatu’s 36-35 comeback win against Southland on 8 August before starting the next three matches.

“It was great to close out one of those close games,” Worboys said. “In the NPC I’ve learned anything can happen. We have the players to hurt teams and win games. Belief is huge. When momentum is against you, small wins are important. When momentum switches, you have to capitalise.”

He drew on a high-profile international example to illustrate the mindset shift required after Manawatu squandered a 27-12 lead against Otago. “Against Otago we went into our shells. I use the England-Argentina World Cup semi-final as a comparison. You have to keep firing shots, back your skills and take your opportunities.”

The style of play in New Zealand has suited Worboys as much as the environment around it. “The rugby here is much more free-flowing. That suits me. The idea that you can attack from anywhere is ingrained in New Zealand. You play what you see, and that is really exciting.”

Head coach Wes Clarke was a decisive factor in his decision to join the Turbos specifically. “When I got chatting to Wes, that became clearer,” Worboys said. “Palmy doesn’t necessarily get the respect it deserves. Everything here has exceeded my expectations. Outside rugby, the time spent with the lads — drinking coffee, playing golf, going to hospitals and being out in the community — has been special.”