Huge news broke last night when it was announced that Tigers skipper Robbie Farah would be given permission to look elsewhere for 2016 and beyond.
Reported to be on a massively back-ended contract, Farah’s move could free up over a million dollars in the Tigers salary cap over the next two seasons.
As whenever a huge name player is set to leave a club, Farah has been linked with numerous clubs since the news broke.
Below are the five destinations I’d see Farah most likely to end up.
5. Cronulla Sharks
He’s a soon-to-be former Tiger right?
Michael Ennis, although the same age as Farah, has only signed a two-year deal, which was reported as being his last as an NRL player.
Although his form may convince both player and club to extend that contract, Farah probably has a further three years in him at least.
The possible rotation between Ennis and Farah would mean the Sharks would probably possess the best hooking combination in the game, although both are seen as 80 minute players.
Although Farah could play at halfback, should Chad Townsend not be able to re-find his early 2015 form, I don’t see the money Farah would be asking being worth it for the Shire club.
There has been talk that the Sharks are looking to offload Ben Barba, so there is the chance Barba and Farah would be offered up as a swap of sorts.
I can’t see it happening to be honest, although the Sharks have a mountain of players off contract, so there’s money there.
Verdict: Very unlikely
4. Newcastle Knights
Farah’s signature would ensure the Knights enter 2016 with a spine of Mamo, Mullen, Hodkinson and Farah.
That’s three NSW representatives and an exciting youngster who could be anything.
Hodkinson is the Knights only big money signing, while the departures of Beau Scott, Kurt Gidley and Tyrone Roberts should free up enough money to enable the Knights to at least have a crack.
The Knights would also allow Farah a chance to escape the day-to-day media presence in Sydney, without Farah having to move his young family interstate.
Newcastle have some exciting options at hooker, but surely the likes of Levi Clydesdale won’t block Farah’s path to the number nine jersey.
Verdict: The Knights would be keen. Possible
3. Gold Coast Titans
After failing to land Daly Cherry-Evans, on a reported multi-million dollar deal, the Titans have failed to land that marquee recruit.
Farah would fit the bill, and would arguably come cheaper than Cherry-Evans.
He would certainly step straight into the captaincy role following the loss of Nate Myles.
His signing would also prove of huge benefit to young Elgey. Unfortunately for the halfback, Elgey has been unable to strike up a regular partnership with a number nine all season.
One potential roadblock is the signing of Nathan Friend, who returns to the Gold Coast from the Warriors, however there is no doubt who would step into the lead hooking role should they land Farah.
The big money been flaunted to sign DCE doesn’t look like it has been spent elsewhere, despite the impending arrivals of Roberts, Friend and Shillington.
Without doing all the sums, the Titans would probably be best placed to offer a big money deal to Farah.
I can’t see the Tigers wanting to foot any of Farah’s salary next season if possible. That is the reason they’re moving their skipper along.
Verdict: If money is a factor, VERY possible
2. South Sydney Rabbitohs
Having lost Issac Luke, the Bunnies are now relying on the talented, yet raw, Cameron McInnes to step up into their leading hooking role next season.
Farah, whose brother works at the Bunnies as a physio, could very easily slot straight into Luke’s position, and could mentor the young McInnes.
How the Bunnies would afford Farah, I’m not too sure, especially after re-signing the likes of Reynolds and Johnston, but with a number of players off contract, it’s not impossible.
McInnes has shown signs of being a special player, however is not there yet, which would pile more pressure of the likes of Reynolds, Keary and Inglis to create.
By adding Farah, the Bunnies would not only replace the loss of Luke, but would arguably strengthen their defence up the middle.
Money is the big issue here, and Souths would likely need the Tigers to continue paying a percentage of Farah’s contract.
Verdict: If a chance at winning another title is the main motivation, this is very likely.
1. England
Ok I slightly cheated here, but England is probably the most likely destination for Farah. Which NRL club is going to have a spare 800k sitting around for 2016, being that it’s not August?
The new marquee player payments would allow a Super League club to sign Farah outside the allotted salary cap.
He would arguably become the best player in the competition, and would surely become the centre piece of much of the marketing campaign for both his club and the competition.
Salford, despite all their troubles, have little trouble with money. Their biggest positive in any possible recruitment of Farah could also be their biggest hurdle.
Tim Sheens, Farah’s former coach, is likely to be in his former player’s ear, however it’s been reported that Farah may have had a hand in Sheens being removed from his job as coach at the Tigers.
The chance to play in England, possibly for Leeds or Wigan for instance, would present Farah with a rare opportunity to win both the NRL and ESL titles.
At 31, Farah wouldn’t be looking to sign a five-year deal, and could cash in massively over the next two or three seasons.
I just can’t see how NRL side could match the money on offer in England.
A three-or-so year stint in England could set him and his family up for life, allowing him to return to Australia, where a job in the media would be likely.
Verdict: With Farah’s salary expected to be a major hurdle, it may be his best option. VERY likely.
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