A decision on whether Wests Tigers skipper Robbie Farah plays against Newcastle won’t be made until Monday – but NSW coach Ricky Stuart believes it would be in the NSW hooker’s best interests to do so.
Football as been the furthest thing from Farah’s mind following the death of his mother from pancreatic cancer last Sunday – the NRL club giving their captain and his family time and space to grieve.
After naming Farah in the Blues side for the State of Origin series decider in Brisbane on Wednesday week, Stuart claimed he would like to see the hooker run out for the Tigers.
“I hope he does play tomorrow night because I think he needs to get back out on the field and get a game under his belt, not for Origin but for Robbie,” Stuart said.
“He’ll handle Origin football next week whether he’s played a game or not, but I just think for the sake of Robbie’s welfare it would nice for him to get back out there tomorrow night.
“I’ve personally never been in that position and never want to be.
“He was still doing it tough (when I rang him), he’s very fortunate that he’s got a lot of close friends and family.”
Stuart had little doubt Farah would come into Blues camp ready to play as the Blues attempt to end Queensland’s six-year winning streak.
“Knowing Robbie as little as I do, he’d be biting the bullet to get in here, he couldn’t wait,” Stuart said.