Robbie Farah the star as Wests Tigers thump New Zealand Warriors in his home farewell

LESS than a week after getting a fateful tap on the shoulder Robbie Farah was the man of the match as the Tigers destroyed the Warriors in his home farewell.

The Tigers celebrate a try scored by Luke Brooks against the Warriors during the round 25 NRL match between the West Tigers and the New Zealand Warriors at Campbelltown Stadium in Sydney on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015. (AAP Image/Paul Miller) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

IF IT WAS his last home game for the Wests Tigers, what a hell of way for Robbie Farah to go out.

To say it had been a trying week for the Tigers’ skipper would be an under-statement.

Coach Jason Taylor, with the blessing of the Tigers’ board, told Farah on Tuesday night he was virtually unwanted and free to play elsewhere next year, despite having two more years to run on his deal.

If Farah stayed, he risked being banished to the NSW Cup.

The Tigers were even prepared to pick up a giant part of the $1.9 million tab.

So Farah responded in the best possible fashion by scoring a try and setting up another three in the Tigers’ 50-16 thumping of the New Zealand Warriors.

The huge victory moved the Tigers off the bottom of the NRL ladder.

It was a fitting farewell for Super League-bound favourites Pat Richards and Keith Galloway.

The 6711 fans waved banners - it was impossible to miss ‘Robbie We Love You, You Deserve Better’ - chanted his name, and generally made it clear they were Team Farah on this one.

Taylor, on the other hand, was booed when he appeared briefly on the field before kick-off.

The coach and Farah sat side by side at the press conference, with Taylor requesting any questions about the skipper’s future be off-limits.

The Tigers celebrate some Robbie Farah magic.

“Keith Galloway and Pat Richards had their last home games for the club, they’re legends of the club, and we certainly don’t want other things dominating what is a great day for those two,” Taylor said.

True to form, Farah was happy to discuss his forced exit.

“It’s been a crazy week. My focus was on this game, and I tried to block (the drama) out from day one,” Farah said.

“I spoke on Wednesday morning and I wanted to speak to put it behind us and move on.

“I came into training every day to train as hard as I could to show the boys I wasn’t going to let it affect me or the team.

“The performance today speaks louder than words.”

Asked if he could work with Taylor if he hung around next year, Farah said: “From my end that’s never been a problem, and it won’t be a problem.

“I was keen for a big game, that’s for sure. It wasn’t a goodbye (for me). I was more thanking them (the crowd). The support has been absolutely amazing. It’s been overwhelming to be honest.”

Fans show their appreciation for Robbie Farah.

Farah admitted he nearly teared up when the first round of chants went up after he scored. Luke Brooks told Farah even he got goose bumps.

The Tigers came to play, and they threw the ball around against a Warriors side that looked like they’d lost six straight prior to their trip to Campbelltown.

Farah complemented his try and three try assists with five tackle busts and 31 tackles. He was even given a brief spell, perhaps a deliberate Taylor plot to calm down the gushing fans.

Time will tell if the hardline tactics adopted by Taylor pays off. Sundaywould have felt like torture for him sitting in the coach’s box.

WESTS TIGERS 50 (D Nofoaluma 2 L Brooks R Farah D Halatau K Naiqama P Richards T Simona M Taupau tries P Richards 7 goals) bt NZ WARRIORS 16 (M Allwood 2 A Vete tries T Lolohea 2 goals) at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. Referee: Gavin Reynolds, Chris Sutton. Crowd: 6,711.

Originally published as Robbie Farah the star as Wests Tigers thump New Zealand Warriors in his home farewell