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Tigers prepare for Sharks to target Farah

3 minute read

Robbie Farah has trained with his Wests Tigers teammates as he pushes to recover from a broken leg and play in the final round of the NRL's regular season.

ROBBIE FARAH
ROBBIE FARAH Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Wests Tigers are bracing for Cronulla to target Robbie Farah after the champion hooker took a giant step towards proving his fitness for Sunday's NRL clash at Leichhardt Oval.

In a sight that would have buoyed his teammates and the club's supporter base on Wednesday, the retirement-bound veteran looked unhindered by his leg injury as he took part in the side's training run at their spiritual home.

While he sported strapping on his right leg, Farah ran and showcased his ability to change direction and even kicked during the nearly hour-long session.

He also got through a wrestling session at Concord Oval later in the day.

After running for the first time on Monday, he must get through Thursday's skills session which has been declared off-limits to the media.

The risk of further damage and his ability to tolerate the pain will determine whether Farah is passed fit for what is a do-or-die match for both clubs.

Farah is now seeking to front just 29 days after fracturing his tibia against Canterbury as he desperately attempts to play again before retiring.

He has been named on an extended bench and if he falls short Benji Marshall and Josh Reynolds will share the hooking duties.

His teammates said they weren't surprised with his rapid recovery with Elijah Taylor revealing: "I was in the rehab group with him last week in the gym and he was looking really strong.

"He looked like he was good to go. So it wasn't a surprise for me how fast he's bounced back."

Reynolds said he was in little doubt the 35-year-old would buck the odds, saying: "I reckon he'll play."

But Reynolds didn't mince his words when asked if the Sharks would target out his broken leg.

"It's going to be tested," he said.

"Whether (Sharks skipper Paul Gallen) does it or someone else.

"People would like to think it doesn't happen in the game, but if it's going to help you win, it's going to help you win.

"I know Faf (Farah) is going to be ready. He could break another bone in that leg and he'll still be out there.

"We've got a few targets for them as well."

Marshall had little doubt Farah would turn out at his beloved Leichhardt Oval.

"I was watching him today, he didn't look like he was in that much pain," he said.

"He looked pretty good to me, but when you're out on the field it's a different story, you've got to get through a bit of contact."

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