Wests Tigers players are backing Robbie Farah to defy the odds against an NRL farewell after being rocked by a leg fracture.
Farah arrived at Tigers headquarters on Monday on crutches, a date booked with the specialist in the afternoon.
He will also seek a second expert examination of the broken tibia later this week as he aims to make a miracle recovery.
The Tigers have refused to put a timeline of Farah’s return but the usual lay-off for such an injury is around six weeks.
Only four regular season games remain and the Tigers are on the fringe of qualifying for their first finals series since 2011.
“He will be doing everything. He is a professional,” long-time teammate Elijah Taylor said.
“He will be doing everything off the field to make sure he can get back on the field.
“He sums up (toughness).
“I think he played on for 15 minutes with a broken leg. He didn’t want come off. It sums up the type of leader he is. He is a real leader of this team.”
The 35-year-old at least has a history of early returns. He came back from a dislocated elbow in just three weeks in 2014 to play in NSW’s drought-breaking State of Origin series.
But beating a leg fracture would surely be remarkable.
He went to ground three times in the minutes after the injury-incurring tangle with Canterbury’s Lachlan Lewis on Saturday and at the moment, can’t bare weight.
Still, “if you’ve played 300 you’re a tough player”, says Tigers lock Ryan Matterson.
“Any player, you want the fairytale ending. An injury that may stop him playing for the end of the year would be devastating.
“No-one wants that for him.”
Jacob Liddle will likely start at hooker against the Sea Eagles on Thursday, with Taylor a dummy-half option off the bench.
Farah’s injury is one of many facing the Tigers for the crucial clash, with up to five forwards unavailable.
AAP has been told out-of-favour international forward Russell Packer is not a recall option after season-ending surgery on a broken foot.
Fellow prop Josh Aloiai is nursing a hand injury and isn’t available, while Ben Matulino remains sidelined with a knee issue.
Second-rower Luke Garner is expected to challenge a dangerous contact charge at the NRL judiciary, while captain and centre Moses Mbye is out with quad and hip problems.
The Tigers likely need to beat three of their last four regular-season opponents who also include Newcastle, St George Illawarra and Cronulla.
“Yeah, there are a few out but that’s football,” Taylor said.
“I remember 2014 at Penrith we were decimated with injuries and we were one away from the grand final. It’s not an excuse.”