Wests Tigers fan favourite and club legend Robbie Farah will retire at the end of the 2019 season. Since debuting in 2003, he has played well over 250 games for the club and is past 300 during his time in the NRL.
A Leichhardt junior with Lebanese origins, the star hooker helped the Tigers to their first premiership in 2005 as well as a significant development for the great game in his home country. He has represented both Australia and Lebanon, captaining the Arabic nation to their first win at the World Cup in history over France in 2017.
Farah has played 149 of his games for the Tigers as captain and also represented NSW in State of Origin 16 times, winning the trophy in 2014.
Tigers board members and hierarchy heaped their praise onto the legendary player, with Chairman Barry O'Farrell and CEO Justin Pascoe paying tribute.
“Robbie has given so much to Wests Tigers in his unwavering commitment on and off the field, and it is wonderful to recognise his career and achievements," O'Farrell told the club's website.
“His loyalty to the club, determination and toughness will be a lasting inspiration for Wests Tigers players, and it is fantastic to see him finish his time in rugby league in the colours he is so passionate about.”
Pascoe recognised Farah as the most capped player in Tigers history and one of the greats of the game.
“Robbie retires as not only the most capped player in Wests Tigers history but also our most experienced captain and inaugural Life Member. He has played such a big part in making Wests Tigers what it is today, and it has been a great pleasure to have a player of his calibre and character represent this club throughout his career.
“I have no doubt that Robbie will go down as not only a great of Wests Tigers, but the greats of the game as a whole, and it’s been a privilege to have him play such a large part of his career at this club.”
Farah has been a brilliant servant to the club and will line up again this week for Thursday night footy against the Cowboys at his home, Leichhardt Oval.
Farah would have made a good back up 9 at the roosters this year allowing Radley to play at lock.
Frankspencer, who posted on ZT he played for the roosters would probably agree.
4 years late, good riddance
I’ve got nothing against the guy.
Was shafted by Jason Taylor & came out the other side.
Good luck to him on a solid career.
Frankfurter with 30,000 members and the strongest grass roots junior development program in Australia, referring to Souths as a “no hoper” club must make people think what the roosters are with declining members since last year after a gifted premiership and no grass roots juniors on top of periodically changing their name from one to the next in the hope of attracting following.
The roosters will never surpass membership and fan base whilst exist in the same demographic as the iconic Souths.