Farah shows he’s all Origin with classy display in Game 2

Robbie Farah showed 64 times on Wednesday night why he is a State of Origin player. That’s the staggering amount of tackles the NSW hooker made in the Blues’ thrilling 16-12 game two win over Queensland at ANZ Stadium.

The tackle count eclipses the Origin record of 62 held by Queensland’s Dallas Johnson.

Farah is the same bloke who was criticised before the series began for not having the ruggedness to survive and thrive in the cauldron of interstate rugby league.

Known for being a flashy dummy-half with a great passing and kicking game, the Wests Tigers captain put in a defensive shift that would have even his harshest critics applauding.

“It’s pretty satisfying. Things have changed for me in the last six weeks. I’ve gone from not an Origin player to playing 80 minutes tonight and being part of a good win,” Farah told AAP.

“I said after that first game you have to prove you’re an Origin player everytime you pull that jersey on and that’s going to be no different in the next game.

“Everytime you play this game you have to show up for your mates and play with pride.

“I feel like a bit of a leader in this team. I’m a bit of a senior player in this team, we’ve got young halves and some young forwards and I’m trying to bring some leadership to the team.”

Farah was proud of his side’s defensive effort, particularly in the second half when the Blues repelled raid after raid from Queensland.

“I’m pretty exhausted, it was a tough slog out there,” he said.

“It was a tough grind in the middle especially in that second half. They had a mountain of ball.

“We had to defend our line on back-to-back sets late in that game. Our passion and our belief got us there in the end. We kept showing up for each other and that’s what Origin is all about.”

NSW coach Ricky Stuart was quick to praise his hooker after the match.

“My words to him after that were … that was a tough Origin performance. It was a terrific individual performance,” Stuart said.

Farah’s mother, who is battling cancer, was due to be at the game in a specially arranged box with other members of the family, but was unable to attend.

“I haven’t had the chance to speak to her yet, she never made the game,” he said.

“I’m sure when I do it will be very emotional for both of us.”

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