Why Robbie Farah, Benji Marshall won’t get a testimonial match
What could have been one of the great celebrations of the 2019 NRL season for two greats of the game has turned into a fizzer at the Wests Tigers.
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It seems different clubs have different priorities when it comes to honouring their champions.
Melbourne and North Queensland led the charge to get Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston a testimonial match.
It was a similar situation with South Sydney this season to make sure John Sutton was given the same honour.
But it appears Wests Tigers have made it no priority to do the same for Robbie Farah and Benji Marshall.
While Benji is likely to play on next year, Farah is almost certain to retire.
Benji revealed as much on NRL 360 this week when he spoke about Farah’s 300th game _ and how Michael Maguire wanted to make a big deal of it when it is played in Newcastle on Friday night.
“But Robbie, to his credit, actually stood up and said, ‘I don’t want this to be about me this week, I want it to be about our team winning and making the semi-finals’,” Benji said.
When the idea of a testimonial match was first mentioned some time back many fans were vocal in their support, demanding that the NRL allow it to happen.
But after an initial discussion with the NRL, it appears even the Tigers have gone cold on the idea.
There is talk there might be a testimonial dinner, but nothing about making the final home game of the season at Leichhardt Oval a tribute to the two legends, which would also give fans a chance to be part of it.
It’s worth noting Farah is on a reported $190,000 this year, while Benji is getting $170,000, substantially below what you might imagine players of their standing would earn.
Given the way Farah was treated the last time he was pushed out, you’d think it would be a nice gesture to do it the right way this time.
Originally published as Why Robbie Farah, Benji Marshall won’t get a testimonial match
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