NSW coach Laurie Daley has thrown his support behind Robbie Farah and insists the new South Sydney recruit is still his first-choice hooker.
However, Daley admits Blues vice-captain wasn’t at his best in this year’s series loss to Queensland, and will have to prove his worth at the Rabbitohs in 2017.
Two years after being told he could leave the Wests Tigers, Farah finally cut ties with after the joint-venture last month and Daley hopes the move will breathe new life into the veteran rake.
“It’s been extremely difficult for him over the last two years because he’s been an environment where he comes into Origin camp, you could tell he’s not his normal self,” Daley said.
“I’m hoping that he’ll go to Souths, play really well but also have that spring in his step.”
With Gold Coast No.9 Nathan Peats the only real hooking option to emerge out of Farah’s shadow in recent years, Daley is believes Farah remains the premier dummy-half in the state.
Another possible candidate, Mitch Rein, is currently without a club after St George Illawarra opted not to offer him a new contract after this season.
Canterbury’s Michael Lichaa has failed to find another gear at Belmore, while former Blues rake and Cronulla premiership-winner Michael Ennis has hung up the boots.
Daley said the 32-year-old Farah in peak form still had a lot to give the Blues.
“If Robbie plays anywhere near his best, you’d think that he’s the best hooker NSW have. But again, that’ll be determined by how he plays and how other people play,” he said.
John
Guest
They could select Robbie as someone like Langer, just runs up and passes on messages.....
steveng
Roar Rookie
Just read that ‘Taylor reveals Robbie Farah replacement’. The plan will be for Matt Ballin to start the season and Jacob Liddle to be coming off the bench. But we have also signed Matt McIlwrick who has played a lot of first grade. "We are really comfortable with that position." Let’s see how Taylor will do and what his great tactics are and will be for 2017 without Farah.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
His form was breaking brilliant in NSW Cup? It sure that's relevant for SOO selection.
Wtf
Guest
Correct Alex. Laurie has already selected his team and will not change unless injury or suspensions force him too. Lock in the same 17 as Game 3 this year with 3 obvious changes. 1. Shannon Boyd To replace Gallen. 2. Boyd Cordner to take a starting spot 3. Frizell gets benched and Tamou gets dropped. If Cordner wasn't only just returned from injury he would have been there at the expense of Tamou already.
Wtf
Guest
On 2016 form I'd actually be happy with Pearce selected at 9 with either Josh Renolyds or Tyrone Peachey as a back up utility from the bench......or Peter Wallace. FYI I am anything but a Pearce Fan but I truly believe he'd be a world class 9.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Sorry I just took a stab. He is the youngest to 200 games in NRL history, thats what I am thinking of. Hes 27, 28 in April. Say hes got 5 years left he could crack 330 games.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
Even if that's the case , and he is in great form at the rabbits , I for one wouldnt like to see him in a blues jumper again . He is a stalwart from an era of NSW underachievement and its time to look forward .
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Did anyone actually think this wasn't the case though? If Daley picked Farah to play as his only hooker in 2016 after injury concerns and limited game time, it's obvious he rates him very highly and he'll be hard to unseat.
steveng
Roar Rookie
I don't think so 'Oingo Boingo', Robbie is starting a new career at South and he (won't have loser Taylor and the Tigers on his back) he will be straightened out and a different player, well that is what all of us Souths supporters 'hope so', Robbie is a champion player and he will prove that in 2017, under the Souths spirit and stewardship. Go The Rabbits!!!
Oingo Boingo
Guest
He could also get a hat trick.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Laurie shouldn't of spoken out about Robbie Farah. The usual controversial things about Robbie are still projected by some bloggers, as it is, the NSW coach should have waited and seen how Robbie pans out at Souths before saying anything. But anyway, Robbie could be the 2017 sensation, so lets wait and see.
Jake
Guest
250 games at 26....... Not quite. Pretty sure he's only at 210 and he's almost 28.
Griggso
Guest
If a journalist asks you a question, you don't actually have to answer it - especially if you are the coach of a state representative side. He could have just given a sensible answer like: 'It's still 2016, it might be a bit premature to be commenting on selections for the 2017 side'
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Thing is OB, Pearce is not a bad player, ypu dont get to 250 games at 26 by being a bad player, he is very good. Hes just not a dominant half. If Maloney and One of the multitude of options NsW had were there and Pearce at Hooker i reckon it could work, he would only need to bit play in attack.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
Now there some" outside the box " thinking , I like it VH.
SewingMachine
Guest
Here we go again..Daley selecting the Blues team before a balls been kicked.. This has to be the earliest.. Needs to wait..assess the form..then select.. Maroons can afford to have same side..they're winning.. Blues aren't.. Farah shouldn't been there last year..Ennis was streets ahead.. Anyway maybe Farah will play well..but he's gotta outplay Cook first..
Jacko
Guest
He was asked!!!
Jacko
Guest
I agree about Loz. Surely its time to give some others a go. As they say...doing the same thing but expecting a different result is insanity...
harambe
Guest
Because of his absurd selection decisions? He'll likely pick him is my bet, and hes a dud, the alternatives for NSW at the moment aren't any better though so probably the devil you know rather the devil you don't for Loz...
KingCowboy
Guest
What has Daley got to gain by doing coming out and making these comments? Oh well as a QLD supporter this makes me happy.