Wests Tigers star Robbie Farah faces battle to continue NRL career

Robbie Farah is refusing to concede his season — and as a result his career — are over given history has shown he has remarkable mental resolve and capacity to endure pain.

Robbie Farah’s immediate future could be determined on Sunday.

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Wests Tigers hooker Robbie Farah has a broken bone in his leg but will visit a specialist this morning as he refuses to concede defeat in his quest to play again this season.

Farah has a crack in his tibia just below his knee and will miss Thursday night’s match against Manly at Lottoland.

But Farah is refusing to concede his season — and as a result his career — are over given history has shown he has remarkable mental resolve and capacity to endure pain.

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Robbie Farah’s immediate future could be determined on Sunday.

Farah injured his leg in the Tigers’ loss to Canterbury on Saturday night and officials were initially hopeful that he would be able to finish the year. Those hopes appeared to be fading yesterday when NSW coach Brad Fittler revealed on the Nine network’s coverage of the Melbourne-South Sydney game that he had spoken to Farah’s brother Eddie and been told that the news wasn’t good.

However, Tigers coach Michael Maguire last night said he still harboured hope that Farah would be able to add his weight to their finals push.

“It is Robbie Farah,” Maguire said.

“If anyone can get himself right, it is Robbie. He has proved that many times. He definitely doesn’t want to go out in this way.

“He wants to get back on the field. He’s extremely passionate and keen to push for finals football. We’re a long shot but we’re still there and Robbie wants to help us get there.”

The Tigers have their fingers crossed over Farah’s injury.

The injury setback comes at the worst possible time for both Farah and the club. The Tigers hooker has already announced this will be his last season and he was hoping to bring down the curtain on one of the great careers by playing finals football.

There is every chance now that the Tigers will be forced to qualify for the finals without Farah, or with their hooker playing a limited role.

The 35-year-old has been outstanding this season and his absence will leave a hole that the Tigers will struggle to fill, even with the capable Jacob Liddle waiting in the wings.

His absence could open the door for Josh Reynolds to receive a recall to first grade. Reynolds played in the Canterbury Cup at the weekend but has had precious-few opportunities in first grade this season due to a succession of injuries.

Farah’s injury could hasten the return of Josh Reynolds.

However, the Tigers’ casualty ward is growing by the day and Reynolds could yet find himself back in the mix to play in the NRL That would also present the former NSW pivot wth the opportunity to put himself in the shop window - he has been told by the Tigers that he is free to leave at the end of the season as the club looks to ease the pressure on their salary cap.

Reynolds has two years remaining on a big-money deal he signed when he left Canterbury but has struggled to gain opportunities at the Tigers, having played only four games in first grade this season.

Manly have their own problems as they return from New Zealand with some injury issues. Back rower Curtis Sironen has a hamstring strain and is expected to miss at least one week. Centre Brad Parker is also expected to miss at least one week as he recovers from cartilage damage in his knee.

The Sea Eagles are coming off a defeat against the Warriors that cost them the chance to put further pressure on the top four sides and need a win over the Tigers to fuel their ops of having a double chance in the finals.

The good news is that halfback and captain Daly Cherry-Evans has been cleared of an ankle problem and is expected to play on Thursday night.

Originally published as Wests Tigers star Robbie Farah faces battle to continue NRL career