Tigers confirm Robbie Farah granted permission to play elsewhere after 2015

THE WESTS Tigers have sensationally granted Robbie Farah permission to investigate opportunities to continue his career elsewhere at the end of this season.

Knights S Tigers vs

WESTS Tigers are sensationally poised to sack club legend Robbie Farah.

In a bombshell turn, The Daily Telegraph can reveal Wests Tigers directors discussed the shock development at a high-powered board meeting on Tuesday night.

“Wests Tigers has confirmed that captain Robbie Farah has been granted permission to investigate opportunities to continue his playing career at another club following the 2015 NRL season,” the club confirmed in a statement on Tuesday night.

As the club struggles with ongoing salary cap issues, it is highly unlikely that Farah will be at Concord for the start of next season.

“The decision was not made lightly but ultimately allows the club a chance to restructure the football team to allow for future success,” the Tigers said. “The club intends on treating Farah with the utmost respect during this process and will make no further comment until his playing future is decided.”

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Robbie Farah has been granted permission to leave the Tigers. Picture Gregg Porteous

Farah, 31, still has two years to run on his contract, for which he is due to earn $1 million a season in a heavily back-ended deal.

The club knows that some big-money stars must be moved on if it hopes to sign new players in the next year.

The Tigers know the decision will cause angst among their fans, given what Farah has achieved at the club. It is a sensitive issue but the club is all too aware it needs to cull some senior players on big money.

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Several English Super League clubs are known to be interested in Farah. No doubt, though, NRL clubs will also show robust interest in the champion hooker.

Farah may baulk at England given his desire to represent NSW in State of Origin.

NRL clubs have known for several weeks now that Farah could become a free agent for next season.

Farah is a club legend who was part of the club’s famous 2005 grand final-winning side.

Since the news broke, Tim Moltzen has criticised the club’s decision.

“I’ve witnessed the blood,sweat and tears from @robbiefarah whilst wearing the jersey. Never has let down the emblem. Pity it doesnt go both ways,” he tweeted.

One well-placed source said: “These decisions are always difficult when it comes to players like Robbie, who have given so much to the club.”

Friends have claimed Farah has feared being pushed out of the club for the past few months. And he may not be the only casualty of the club’s tight salary cap.

Robbie Farah has been told he can look elsewhere after season 2015. Pic Brett Costello

Other senior players at Concord who are on big money, including former Test player Chris Lawrence, will also come under scrutiny.

Farah has been accused of playing a role in the sacking of the Tigers’ past two coaches, Tim Sheens and Mick Potter, something he has denied.

Club veterans Keith Galloway and Pat Richards will also move on to play in England after this season.

Farah is due to front the media this morning.

Originally published as Tigers confirm Robbie Farah granted permission to play elsewhere after 2015