Robbie Farah gets green light from Tigers to look elsewhere for 2016

In a shock announcement, the Wests Tigers have tonight confirmed that long time skipper and hooker Robbie Farah has been granted permission to talk to other clubs once the 2015 season ends in a couple of weeks.

There are suggestions salary cap pressures are behind moves to force the Origin star out of the Tigers, but nobody at the club was talking tonight, after a press release was issued earlier tonight.

“The decision was not made lightly but ultimately allows the club a chance to restructure the football team to allow for future success,’’ the club statement said.

Farah has played 236 games for Wests Tigers since making his debut for the club in 2003, was a member of the 2005 premiership winning team and inducted as a Wests Tigers life member in 2013.

“He has been a key member of the Wests Tigers playing squad since making his debut and has made an invaluable contribution to the club both on and off the field in that time,’’ the club statement said.

[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“The club intends on treating Farah with the upmost respect during this process and will make no further comment until his playing future is decided.’’[/social_quote]

Farah was earlier in the evening named by Jason Taylor in the 18-man squad for this Sunday’s match against the New Zealand Warriors at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.

The only change to the side named last week comes in the second row with Chris Lawrence named to start and Dene Halatau dropping back to a five-man interchange bench.

The club said it will pay tribute to departing stars Pat Richards and Keith Galloway, who play their final home game for Wests Tigers this weekend. This may have to be now amended to include Farah since in all likelihood it will be his last home match as well.

Richards and Galloway face masks will be available for the first 5,000 people through the gates on Sunday, while members and fans will also have the opportunity to record a video message for the two club legends.

Wests Tigers NRL – Round 25 v Warriors:

1. James Tedesco

2. David Nofoaluma

3. Kevin Naiqama

4. Tim Simona

5. Pat Richards

6. Mitchell Moses

7. Luke Brooks

8. Aaron Woods

9. Robbie Farah (C)

10. Sauaso Sue

11. Curtis Sironen

12. Chris Lawrence

13. Martin Taupau

Interchange:

14. Kyle Lovett

15. Keith Galloway

16. Ava Seumanufagai

17. Dene Halatau

18. Manaia Cherrington