An emotional Beau Ryan admits Wests Tigers have battled to focus on Monday’s NRL clash with Newcastle following the death of Robbie Farah’s mother last week.

The Tigers’ run of seven successive wins ended against Sydney Rosters last Sunday, just hours after the news broke that Farah’s mother Sonia had lost her battle with pancreatic cancer.

Ryan, who is one of Farah’s closest friends, fought back tears as he described the grief that has enveloped the club this week, with the whole team attending the funeral on Wednesday.

And the in-form utility back, who is enjoying the best season of his career, said Farah, who has been named in the Tigers side for the Hunter Stadium clash, will be given as long as he needs to return to action.

“We’ll give him whatever he wants,” Ryan said.

“If he wants us to see him, we’ll see him, if he wants some space we’ll give it to him.

“It doesn’t matter if he plays or not. I am more worried about him and his family.

“If he wants to have a month off, miss the Origin, miss the rest of the year then that is alright.”

Ryan revealed Farah is still coming to terms with the loss of his mother, who has battled the illness since late last year, and said the emotions felt by everyone concerned with the club last Sunday were the worst he’s ever experienced.

“He’s as good as can be. He’s a tough guy and was very close to his mum, but in saying that, it’s not sunk in,” Ryan said.

“There was an eerie feeling around the ground and in the sheds when we heard.

“I am not going to lie, in terms of playing it was very tough.

“Even the coach (Tim Sheens) who’s coached a million games has not seen something like that.

“It goes to show that footy is just a way of life, it’s not life, and that family is everything. For Robbie to be missing him mum it’s very hard.

“We’ve all grieved together but we have a job to do at Newcastle.”