Wests Tigers have already begun planning for life after Robbie Farah by identifying Daniel Mortimer as one of the men to help fill the void should the NSW hooker depart at the end of the season.
Farah has again been named in reserve grade for what would have been his 250th first-grade game for the club at Leichhardt Oval had he not been axed a fortnight ago. The Tigers have maintained that Farah, who pulled out of last weekend's Intrust Super Premiership clash against Mounties with a calf complaint, will be considered for NRL selection on a game-by-game basis. Although Farah has some experience playing in the halves, not even a knee injury to Luke Brooks is enough to prompt a recall into a new-look Tigers spine.
Jack Littlejohn will wear the No.7 jersey in the absence of Brooks in the only change to the side that defeated Parramatta. Littlejohn, who joined the Tigers from Manly in the off-season, made his only other appearance for the club when filling in for the suspended Brooks in the round one victory over the Warriors.
Farah's latest snubbing is a further pointer to how far he is on the outer with coach Jason Taylor and it appears he has almost certainly played his last NRL game for the black, white and gold. The veteran rake has another year to run on a contract worth about $950,000 next season and has indicated he intends to see it out. However, the prospect of playing an entire season in reserve grade is unlikely to hold much appeal, particularly if a deal can be done with another club.
The Tigers will lose promising hooker Manaia Cherrington to Cronulla at season's end and there is doubt about whether Matt Ballin will sufficiently recover from another serious knee injury to play on next year. With hooker Dene Halatau retiring at the end of the season, the club is keen to bolster their depth in the position. Officials have identified utility Mortimer as a handy back-up, but will only have the funds to make an offer if Farah moves on.
Mortimer, ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, has agreed to join English club Hull KR. But it's understood he has a get-out clause should an NRL opportunity arise.
Mortimer has made 126 first-grade appearances, steering Parramatta to the 2009 grand final in his rookie season before embarking on stints at the Roosters and Titans. The 27-year-old is one of the game's most versatile players and can cover hooker or the halves.
St George Illawarra shapes as Farah's most likely destination should he part company with the joint-venture outfit. The Dragons have failed to come to terms on an extension with their current hooker, Mitch Rein, and have been in talks with Farah about joining the Red V. A potential drawing card is the presence of long-time friend and teammate Benji Marshall, but he, too, is off contract and his future is uncertain.
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/wests-tigers-plan-for-life-after-robbie-farah-with-daniel-mortimer-20160802-gqjkpf.html
