South Sydney dominate disappointing Wests Tigers 28-8

ROBBIE Farah has made a compelling case to retain his NSW State of Origin jumper with a starring role in South Sydney’s victory over his former club.

Angus Crichton of Souths celebrates a try during the Wests Tigers v South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL round 10 match at ANZ Stadium. pic Mark Evans

IT WAS the night Robbie Farah virtually KO’d the NSW Origin hooker debate — and was almost KO’d himself by one of his former Wests Tigers teammates.

Farah was brilliant for South Sydney as he played a huge role in their 28-8 victory over a Tigers pack which had forgotten how to tackle.

Promoted into the starting side, Farah punched out 80 minutes, set up two tries for skipper Sam Burgess, had a slick passing game while even his left boot appeared to have the ball on a string.

The only glitch was a knock-on straight after half-time that led to a Tigers try.

But the Tigers’ comeback lasted about as long as talk of Farah’s spot in the Blues side being under threat.

Sam Burgess powered over for two tries.

Facing stiff competition from the tough-as-nails Peter Wallace and younger Nathan Peats, the 33-year-old Rabbitoh went a long way to all but assuring himself another crack against Queensland at the end of the month.

“It doesn’t matter what I think, I don’t think I’ve got anything to prove, and my past performances at rep level, Laurie (Daley) and the selectors know what they’ll get from me,’’ Farah said.

“If anything, it was good for my confidence to go out and play 80 minutes and get a good performance under my belt. I guess it will come down to what Laurie and the selectors want, the style of play and what they want from their dummy-half.

“If they think I’m the best option, I’ll definitely put my hand up and do the best job I can for this state. Nobody is entitled or has the right to wear an Origin jumper. If the day comes I don’t get picked, I can’t have any complaints. I’ve loved every minute of playing 16 games for NSW, and I won’t hold any grudges if I’m not there.’’

VICTORY: Sharks snatch narrow win

POWER: Should Daley pick Dragons duo?

Not everyone was happy with Farah, including Ava Seumanufagai who threw a wild right punch that almost flattened his former skipper.

Seumanufagai copped 10 minutes in the sin-bin midway through the first half after he reacted to Farah collecting Joel Edwards around the neck.

“It was a bit out of character, it was funny, and I didn’t even know he had a swing,” Farah said.

“He punches like a fairy anyway. We’re good mates and had a chuckle about it after the game.’’

Farah was told early by coach Michael Maguire he would start, despite being named in the No. 14 jersey.

The Tigers didn’t get anywhere near their best.

Cody Walker was shifted to fullback, Alex Johnston bumped to the wing and John Sutton put into the halves.

Aaron Gray also played his first game of the season after he broke down with a knee injury at the Auckland Nines.

The Bunnies avoided a third straight loss and looked refreshed in attack. They will back themselves heading to the west where they host Melbourne next Sunday in Perth.

The game was as good as over when the under-rated Angus Crichton showed some handy footwork to get around Tigers star fullback James Tedesco on the stroke of half-time to make it 16-2.

An Elijah Taylor try straight after half-time gave the 12,213 faithful reason to believe, but the Tigers were poor in defence and never stood a chance.

SOUTH SYDNEY 28 (S Burgess 2 A Johnston 2 A Crichton tries A Reynolds 4 goals) bt WESTS TIGERS 8 (E Taylor try M Moses 2 goals) at ANZ Stadium. Referee: Chris James, Henry Perenara. Crowd: 12,213.