Farah out to prove he is tough enough

tigersrule4life

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ROBBIE Farah sits down, orders a coffee and reveals the advice that inspired his performance in the opening State of Origin game.

"I probably speak to Freddie (former NSW captain Brad Fittler) a bit," Farah said.

"I see him as a good mate. He gives me some tips on games and what I need to do. He said 'you know you have the skill and talent, just play straight and tough'.

"That was in my head. I write that on my game sheet for the Tigers in the month leading up to Origin. That's what I wanted to do in my game.

"There were two criticisms of my game – maybe that we play too lateral at the Tigers and that I was so-called 'not tough enough'.

"I guess that was the message that I got out of it and I tried to get out and show it."

Farah did just that in Origin I. He started the match with a question mark over his ability to handle the game's biggest stage and finished it as one of the most important players in a side attempting to avoid a seventh consecutive series defeat to Queensland.

As he sits in the lobby of the NSW team hotel in Sydney's eastern suburbs, Farah has every right to feel satisfied. He answered his critics at Etihad Stadium with the best performance of his three-game Origin career. Such is coach Ricky Stuart's faith in his ability to play 80 minutes, he dispensed with utility Jamie Buhrer as one of his interchange players.

Even before the side was selected for Origin II, Stuart was already plotting victory with Farah and halves Todd Carney and Mitchell Pearce, reviewing their performance in Origin I and pointing out the steps they could take to ensure their attack scored points in Sydney.

When Farah came into camp last week, he entered with his position secure. His attitude has reflected that. He has made a conscious effort to be more of a leader, as he is at the Tigers.

Farah always believed he belonged in this arena. Now others do as well. "It's hard for me to talk about because in my mind I always had the belief in myself," he said.

"The whole time when I was getting criticised, I just tried to shut it out because I knew if I let it affect my form, it would.

"I just tried to play good footy and pick myself really. I got the chance in Game I and wanted to make the most of it.

"The last time I was in Origin I had let myself down and a lot of people down. I wanted to get back there and prove I was better than what I showed that second game in 2009\. Ricky showed the faith in me in game one by picking me. I wanted to go out and repay that and play for him and play for the jersey.

"For him to come out after the game and support me, and say the things he said about me, I think that's the biggest compliment I could have gotten.

"It's all good getting compliments from your friends and family, but when the coach says it . . ."

If Farah had his way, he would have played Game II the next day. As it was, it has been a three-week wait for everyone involved with NSW.

More than 80,000 are expected to fill ANZ Stadium tonight hoping to see the Blues level the series. The alternative is unthinkable for Farah and anyone else from NSW.

"I could have played the next day," he said. "After the game, after you lose like that, you just want to get out there and play again. It was hard knowing you have to go back to club and perform there.

"Mentally, it's tough. You come off this massive high in Origin and then you have to back up and play again. But the boys made it real easy for me.

"The fact we have had a couple of good wins, too, is pleasing. Now I come back in here just looking forward to turning things around.

"As Ricky said, it is going to be an atmosphere you have never experienced. I have played a grand final at Homebush. I think this is going to be even bigger.

"It's going to be a sea of blue. I think the state and everyone can just sense the passion and pride in the build-up to this game."

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/farah-out-to-prove-he-is-tough-enough/story-e6frg7mf-1226393532596
 
I watched Origin game 2 from last year last night on Fox and I got the impression Ennis was really pissing off Gallen on the field. I reckon Robbie's recall is due in large part to Gallen being unable to co-exist with Ennis. Just a hunch. It would explain why Stuart had to make up crap about Ennis being injured despite Hasler and Ennis publicly denying it.
 
Robbie Farah just puts it on him his by miles a better hooker then ennis dont ever talk about that grub finally he will never play for nsw anymore he is just hopless fire up Robbie Farah hope u score tonight.
 
Says so much about the so-called brains trust that Farah has over two-years in origin wilderness…absolute tragedy. Stuart sux big-time and should be sacked if we don't win tonight.

I love how Freddie is so raw and honest. He is a great bloke. Have never heard him criticise anyone except referees.
 
I don't reckon Farah has anything to prove about being tough enough. Just play a good game, Robbie!
 
@tigersrule4life said:
Robbie Farah just puts it on him his by miles a better hooker then ennis dont ever talk about that grub finally he will never play for nsw anymore he is just hopless fire up Robbie Farah hope u score tonight.

I know he does, but Sticky seemed to be covering Ennis so much. He didn't come out and say Farah proved he deserves it and Ennis has had poor form. Instead he made up lies about Ennis being injured.
 
Geeze Rob's been in the news a bit recently….I am sure he will play well and even though I want the Blues dead, I really hope he doesnt have a shocker. Surely there are a legion of fans out there waiting for it to happen.
 
The question marks about Robbie's toughness is one of the most ridiculous things I can remember ever being labelled on a player. Totally unjustified and, in the end, just a media beatup.

If he played for any other team it would not have been raised. It the Tigers factor. Too adlib, too flamboyant for Origin.

I'm sure Blocker watches every Tigers game. Can't believe he'd question Farah.

Ennis, please, what a joke.

66 tackles tonight.
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Played awesome tonight. Specially that hit on billy slater and the little rubbing of the head. Great stuff.
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He tackled more than double any one else on the field, but even more amazing is that he didn't miss a single tackle! Considering some of the other Blues forwards missed a few tackles each and only made a fraction of Farah's overall tackles shows just how incredible Farah was tonight. He was rock solid and the QLD forward pack didn't even look close to busting up the middle. Some of Farah's 'ball and all' hits were oustanding.

Sheens should give him a few days off to rest and recover for Sunday's game
 
@tigerfan440 said:
Played awesome tonight. Specially that hit on billy slater and the little rubbing of the head. Great stuff.
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yer loved it !! Go Robbie
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