Robbie Farah runs freely at Wests Tigers training as battle to play Cronulla heats up
The harsh truth about sport is that the perfectly scripted ending rarely comes true. But that hasn’t stopped Wests Tigers marvelling at Robbie Farah as he attempted the impossible at training.
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Josh Reynolds said it best on Wednesday.
“It’s building, isn’t it? It’s like a movie.”
The retiring club legend fighting through an impossible injury to play for his beloved club one last time in the midst of a desperate finals push?
In a movie it’d almost be a cliche, but for Robbie Farah and the Tigers it’s as real as it gets.
Farah’s quest to defy the odds, a broken leg and potential permanent damage to play at Leichhardt one more time for the Tigers is straight off the silver screen and the talk of rugby league ahead of the final round shootout with Cronulla on Sunday.
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In the surest sign yet Farah will play, the veteran took part in Wednesday morning’s session on the hallowed turf and moved freely, albeit with his knee heavily strapped.
This wasn’t a dog-and-pony show for the cameras either — Farah moved well and sprinted through the session.
Farah later took part in a wrestling and contact session and will put his body to the test again during a closed training session at Leichhardt Oval on Thursday.
Benji Marshall said Farah’s rapid recovery had already given his teammates a shot in the arm.
“I saw a boost already out there this morning, just seeing him out there training with the boys,” Marshall said.
“One thing that’s very important is the energy around this side has to be how it was this morning, if he plays or not.
“I think he wanted to show everyone he could run. He had an ambulance drive up and he jumped out the back of it.
“He hasn’t said much. We’re preparing like he’s not playing, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he does.”
Marshall and Farah have been teammates, on and off, since 2003 and nobody at the club knows the 35-year-old hooker better than his 2005 premiership teammate.
But even the Kiwi playmaker has been surprised by Farah’s relentless commitment to try to prove his fitness.
“I expected him to go slow and straight, but he was doing everything, and sprinting,” Marshall said.
“That sums him up though, he’s done everything possible and explored every avenue to get back. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s there Sunday.
“Depends on the next couple of days though. Knowing him, he’ll give himself every opportunity.
“He’s got no right to play this week, he probably shouldn’t be.
“But in the past, guys like Pat Richards in 2005 — semi-final he broke his ankle against St George, came out and played the next week.
“Things like that have happened before.”
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Farah will have to get through several contact sessions and the captain’s run unscathed before he’s cleared to play as coach Michael Maguire grapples with the biggest decision of his Tigers tenure.
The Tigers have outscored their opponents 88-18 over the last two weeks but face a far stiffer test in Cronulla, with the club’s first final berth since 2011 on the line.
Reynolds, who may well drop out of the team or see limited minutes should Farah be cleared, backed the retiring rake to make it.
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“I think he’ll play,” Reynolds said.
“The only thing he’s got to tick off is the contact. People will probably think I’m talking a bit of you know what here, but I’d love for him to play.
“I’m still a chance of playing, even if he does. He’s a great player for the team, it’s only going to add another dimension.
“Madge will let me know as soon as he can, he said, what my role will be and if there’s a role there for me. I have to get ready the way I have for the last two weeks, and what happens happens.”
Reynolds has deputised at dummy half, as have Marshall and backrower Ryan Matterson, since Farah and backup hooker Jacob Liddle were struck down by injury several weeks ago.
Tigers captain Moses Mbye also trained on Tuesday and is expected to return in the centres.
Originally published as Robbie Farah runs freely at Wests Tigers training as battle to play Cronulla heats up
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