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Farah not expecting favours from Sheens
Steve Jancetic
October 15, 2010 - 7:14PMAAP
He may be Test coach Tim Sheens’ No.1 man at NRL level, but Wests Tigers skipper Robbie Farah knows that won’t guarantee him anything when it comes to clinching a Kangaroos berth.
Farah is a distinct No.2 when it comes to the hooking spot in the Australian side, with vice-captain Cameron Smith amongst the first names on Sheens’ Test teamsheet whenever fit.
But the predicament hasn’t discouraged Farah from giving his all - just as it didn’t when he was forced to wait behind NSW Origin skipper Danny Buderus for a start with the Blues early in his career.
Advertisement: Story continues below“He’s (Smith) going to be the first choice - for me it’s just about training hard and making sure I’m ready if the chance comes up,” Farah said.
"Last year on tour I got a couple of opportunities and this year hopefully I’ll get a chance somewhere down the track.
“In England (for last year’s Four Nations) I was on the bench and Tim wanted to use a double dummy half system there - depending on what kind of system he plays and who we’re playing against, he might pick the two hookers (again).”
But there is no guarantee that second hooker will be Farah either, with incumbent Test utility Kurt Gidley and uncapped St George Illawarra backrower/hooker Dean Young more than capable of jumping into dummy half.
Farah offers flexibility given he can also fill in at halfback, but Gidley offers enormous value as a bench player given he can slot in everywhere bar the front row if required.
While his club relationship with Sheens may not guarantee a Test start, Farah did admit his knowledge of the coach’s game plans could prove crucial in him getting the nod.
“I’ve been coached by him my whole career - he knows my style of game and what I can do,” Farah said.
"Depending on the game plan he’s trying to execute, I’m sure I can relate to that probably the best out of any of these boys.
"Hopefully that sways things in my favour.
"When you come into these camps all club allegiances go out the window and - if he thinks I’m a chance or deserving of a bench spot even, I’ll be happy with that.
“If not I’ll just train hard, keep my head down and even if I jag a game later in the tournament, it’s always a privilege to pull on the jumper.”
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If we have Gidley, Young and Robbie all competing for one possible spot on the bench, that just shows how stupid a selection it is to have all three in the squad. Neither Gidley nor Young warrants a spot at all on form. Nor does Cameron Smith, for that matter.
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Our Robbie isn’t a utility, He’s a hard as nuts ball playing Hooker.
Will Cam Smith need a spell on the bench in a test match??? Is it as hard as a NRL game??
It pains me to think that the Newcastle captain may get the nod…
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