Robbie Farah eager to make the most of Wests Tigers’ games at Leichhardt Oval

ON Sunday afternoon, Robbie Farah will play his 36th NRL match at the famous old Leichhardt Oval. And he’s wondering how many more he has left.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH -Hooker Tigers Robbie Farah during the Wests Tigers media session at Concord Oval,Concord .Picture Gregg Porteous

ROBBIE Farah admits he’s been counting down the days like a seven-year-old would for Christmas.

“Even before last week’s game, I was like, I can’t wait until I’m back home at Leichhardt,’’ Farah said.

“My opportunities to play there are running out by the week, we only play four games there a year and I’m coming towards the end of my career, so there’s not too many opportunities left for me to get a game there.

“Every single one is like gold to me.’’

On Sunday afternoon against the Melbourne Storm, an early preview perhaps to State of Origin as the NSW incumbent also goes head-to-head with Queensland hooker and captain Cameron Smith, Farah will play his 36th NRL match at the famous old Leichhardt Oval.

“So when you think to yourself there’s only so many left, it’s important to make sure you appreciate it,’’ the NSW Origin and Tigers leader said.

Which begs the question; how many games does Farah have left, not just at Leichhardt Oval, but for the Wests Tigers?

Six months ago, given coach Jason Taylor’s reserve grade ultimatum, Farah, 32, appeared more chance of playing for the Leichhardt Wanderers.

But opening up to The Sunday Telegraph as he assisted the under-16 and under-18 Emerging Blues, a buoyant and optimistic Farah revealed he could extend his future at the club beyond 2017.

“Have I kept that door open? Yes of course,’ Farah said.

“I’m on contract until the end of next year and then I’ll be guided by my body and the club, they’ve still got to want me, but there’s nothing in my head at the moment to say that next year is definitely my last year.

“As long as I’m playing good footy and I feel that I’ve got something to add to the team and both parties feel the same way, we’ll see what comes.’’

A stickler for rest, recovery and rehabilitation, Farah says his ability to manage his body through the latter parts of his career has aided his hopes of extending his career in the NRL. A pre-season knee injury robbed him from beginning the season in round one, forced instead to make his comeback from the interchange bench in round four.

“I got through a really good pre-season and if it wasn’t for the setback that I had in the trial, I would’ve been injury-free and ready to go,’’ Farah said.

“Since I’ve been back (from injury) too, I’ve felt pretty good. So whileever I’m still competing and the body feels fine, I’ll keep putting my hand up.’’

After a tough run, Farah is making the most of his games at Leichhardt Oval.

Which Farah will need to do on Sunday.

In the absence of injured captain Aaron Woods (knee), Farah’s patience and experience — despite relinquishing the captaincy to Chris Lawrence and Dene Halauatu — will prove pivotal to the Tigers pulling apart the typically rigid Storm defence.

“It’s tough, he’s a leader of our pack,’’ Farah said of Woods. “He’s our skipper, he’s been playing upwards of 65 minutes every week.

“The amount of work he gets through is going to be tough to replace so the person that does come in has got a big workload to cover there and we’ve all got to pick up the slack.’’

Including the Leichhardt faithful.

“It’s been a tough few weeks for us, but hopefully the crowd will still show up and support to make it as tough as possible for the Storm,’’ Farah said.

Originally published as Robbie Farah eager to make the most of Wests Tigers’ games at Leichhardt Oval