Tigers star Robbie Farah trains as decision looms on his fitness for Cronulla clash

The Tigers were tight-lipped as to Robbie Farah’s status as the decision approaches for Michael Maguire - does he risk the 35-year old dummy half in one last game?

Wests Tigers player Robbie Farah training at Leichhardt Oval ahead of the teams must win game against the Cronulla Sharks on Sunday. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Nothing to report, mate.

These are the four words from Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire that will keep the Robbie Farah circus bubbling along for at least another 24 hours.

And it may continue until 1pm Sunday.

Farah continued his brave fight to be declared fit from a fractured leg for Sunday’s massive game against Cronulla at Leichhardt Oval.

A shirtless Farah participated in a 90-minute training session at Leichhardt Oval but didn’t wear strapping on his injured right leg, indicating he didn’t complete any contact work.

Onlookers claim he did not damage his chances, nor improve them.

Stream the 2019 NRL Telstra Premiership on KAYO SPORTS. Every game of every round Live & On-Demand on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Get your 14 day free trial.

Farah trained without strapping on Thursday. Picture by Jonathan Ng.

Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire generally holds his weekly media conference the day before a game but will instead speak at 9.45am Friday where he will discuss Farah’s chances of playing.

The final decision will come down to Maguire.

Asked about Farah’s chances, Maguire texted The Daily Telegraph only saying: “Nothing to report, mate.”

If Farah seeks another 24 hours to determine his fitness, Maguire may then make a final call Saturday – the day before kick-off – after the captain’s run at Leichhardt Oval.

The coach could also continue to keep punters guessing by reaching a decision an hour before the 2pm kick-off under NRL rules.

“There is no doubt there is no more resilient and competitive person than Robbie,” said Farah’s manager, Sam Ayoub. “He will give himself every chance.

“But, at the end of the day, there is no doubt in my mind that a decision like this, respectively, won’t be Robbie’s – you’d think the coach would make the call on something as critical as this.

Will Farah play? Picture by Jonathan Ng.

“Robbie’s rehab and prep is second-to-none, that’s the reason he gives himself every hope. Again, it will be the coach’s call, as it should be.”

No-one at the club was prepared to say whether Farah conducted any heavy collision work at training. Farah came through Tuesday’s wrestling session.

There wasn’t a heavy focus on Farah’s fitness, the training session being described by Wests Tigers officials as “straightforward”.

One source said: “We’ll just have to wait and see. It’s still hard to know whether he will play or not.”

Listen! Matty Johns and Paul Kent are this week joined by Balmain champion Steve ‘Blocker’ Roach, talking up the big eighth place battle at Leichhardt Oval Sunday, whether or not Robbie Farah should play, plus look at some of Manly’s best ever hit men and the time Kenty got completely jammed by Mark Geyer.

The Daily Telegraph canvassed multiple insiders close to the club but no-one knew whether Farah would play.

Several media outlets captured video and still-frame photos yesterday despite the session being closed.

Leichhardt Oval is a sell out for a match that will see either the Tigers or Sharks advance to the finals – the loser can start Mad Monday.

Farah played his 300th NRL match in late July.