Leichhardt Oval will be the location for Robbie Farah’s first game back if he returns to Wests Tigers in what would be an emotional homecoming for the former skipper. The Tigers were so desperate to get rid of Farah just 18 months ago that they paid $750,000 just to get him off the books. However, coach Ivan Cleary is genuine about bringing Farah back, with a final call likely to be made at a Tigers board meeting on Monday night. Farah and Cleary first spoke about the prospect of a Tigers return six months ago, the talks intensifying in recent weeks as the June 30 transfer deadline approached. While Cleary has never coached the Rabbitohs hooker, the pair have a relationship from their brief time together as coach and player for the Lebanon national side.
The Tigers view Jacob Liddle as the club’s long-term dummy half. However, a series of injuries – Liddle has already undergone two shoulder reconstructions – have prevented the 21-year-old from cementing a first-grade position. With one spot still remaining in his top-30 roster and with his team struggling without a top-class hooker, Cleary is keen to add Farah to a new-look spine that would also include Bulldogs mid-season signing Moses Mbye.
If Farah was to return to Concord, it would only be for the remainder of the season. Given there is no NRL played next weekend due to the representative round, his first assignment would be against the Titans at his beloved Leichhardt Oval. With the game scheduled on a Sunday, a sellout crowd would be guaranteed for what would be one of the biggest events in the oval's recent history.