Wests Tigers fans locked out of Concord Oval as they protest against club’s treatment of Robbie Farah

TIGERS fans were locked out of Concord Oval as they protested against the treatment of their skipper Robbie Farah.

Robbie Farrah Support

ROBBIE Farah will depart for an overseas holiday today to forget about a “tough few weeks’’ but with the comfort that a few passionate Wests Tigers fans want him to dig in and see out his deal.

Twelve hours after Farah stood on stage and collected the True Blue Award, which recognised qualities upon which the NSW Origin team culture is built, about 30 Tigers fans were locked out of Concord Oval as they protested against the treatment of their skipper.

One life member, 72-year-old great grandmother Maureen Watson, broke down in tears as she spoke about her “disgust’’ at the club’s attempts to move Farah on, despite having two years left on his deal.

“This club is my life, but I’m disgusted with the way they’ve treated Robbie,’’ Watson said.

“He’s good enough to play for Australia, he’s a one-club man. I’m flabbergasted.”

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Tigers officials have made it known to Farah they want him to find a new club, and will even pick up part of the $1.9 million tab.

The threat of being punted to NSW Cup if he chooses to stay is fair dinkum.

Wests Tigers fans chant outside Concord Oval in support of Robbie Farah. Picture: Mark Evans

If another club doesn’t snap him up, Farah plans to report for day one of pre-season training when the Tigers resume in the first week of November.

“Nothing has changed from my end, I’m just looking forward to the break and going overseas,’’ Farah said.

“It’s been a tough few weeks and I want to get away from it all and get my mind off it. I’m not in a rush to come up with a call on my future, and I’m sure things will work out in due time.’’

Robbie Farah is not in a rush to make a call on his future. Picture: Mark Evans

While the relationship between Farah and Tigers coach Jason Taylor is strained, the hooker has a respect for NSW equivalent Laurie Daley.

After picking up the gong at the Blues’ gala night, Farah said: “The team culture at NSW is one I’m proud of, and it’s a culture driven really strongly by the senior players and ‘Loz’ (Daley).

“To be recognised by a legend of the game like Loz, and a coach like him, it means the world to me. Everyone respects his opinion very highly.

“We go out and go to great lengths for the team, and it’s because of what he has instilled in us as a coach. It’s a good reflection of him as a person and a coach.’’

Daley has said he would stick with Farah, even if he is punted to NSW Cup, and the No. 9 said: “I’ll do everything I can to repay that faith next year’’.

The Tigers on Tuesday signed Dragons winger Justin Hunt and former Titans playmaker Jordan Rankin.

Originally published as Wests Tigers fans locked out of Concord Oval as they protest against club’s treatment of Robbie Farah