Robbie Farah to stay with Wests Tigers, as club name him in leadership group for 2016

THE Wests Tigers have confirmed Robbie Farah will remain at the club in 2016 after naming him in the club’s leadership group.

Wests Tigers training

THE Wests Tigers have confirmed Robbie Farah will remain at the club in 2016 after naming him in the club’s leadership group.

Farah, who was told two months ago he could leave the club, was on Wednesday announced as part of the Tigers’ leadership group alongside hooker rival Matt Ballin, Dene Halatau, Chris Lawrence, Sauaso Sue, James Tedesco and Aaron Woods.

“I am pleased to confirm that Robbie Farah and head coach Jason Taylor have committed to working together to drive greater success for Wests Tigers in 2016,” Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe said in a statement.

“On behalf of the club I want to apologise to our loyal Wests Tigers members and supporters for allowing this to be played out publicly.

“I am proud of the way that Jason, Robbie and the whole playing group have now embraced a new leadership approach.

“I also want to acknowledge that the public nature of the contractual discussions have exposed Robbie to unwanted publicity.”

Farah and Taylor’s relationship was strained as the coach tried to move the NSW Origin hooker on. But the 31-year-old dug his heels in as rival clubs struggled to absorb a large portion of the $1.9 million Farah is due over the next two seasons.

“We both have a commitment to this club and helping Wests Tigers be a power in the NRL,” Taylor said.

“Both Robbie and I have had some really positive private conversations and we’re both committed to the success of the Club in 2016 and beyond and we are also clear as to what we need to do to drive that success.”

Robbie Farah and Tigers coach Jason Taylor have put their problems behind them.

Farah said that he was looking forward to putting the speculation behind him and being fully focused on the season ahead.

“I am now simply just wanting to continue doing what I have always done, training as hard as I can so that I can perform to the best of my ability for the fans, members, teammates and club,” Farah said.

“This club, the playing group and fans mean everything to me and I want to be around for what I think is going to be an exciting time for Wests Tigers.

“I’m also keen to work closely with Matt, Dene, Chris, Sauaso, James and Aaron as a part of the leadership group over the coming year. We all bring unique experiences to the group and will be able to have a positive impact on our teammates and the Club as a whole,” he said.

Originally published as Robbie Farah to stay with Wests Tigers, as club name him in leadership group for 2016