Axed NSW State of Origin vice-captain Robbie Farah may have a point to prove when South Sydney meet Parramatta on Friday night – but not to Eels coach Brad Arthur.
The Rabbitohs’ clash with the Eels will be the only fixture of a shortened round 12 of the NRL that isn’t affected by next week’s anticipated Origin spectacle.
But that was only after both Farah was surprisingly moved on from the Blues squad – and Eels star Michael Jennings made unavailable for selection due to injury.
Arthur, who has often been reluctant to discuss opposition players ahead of a match, admitted being shocked at Blues coach Laurie Daley’s decision to drop Farah.
“I thought he gave himself a real good chance to get into the team,” Arthur said.
“I haven’t really gone into who should be in the team or who shouldn’t, but I thought he’s been playing some good football.”
The fourth-year Eels mentor singled out Farah’s past fortnight in particular as proof the former Wests Tigers skipper hadn’t lost his edge.
Farah has tallied five try assists in his past four games, and has been identified by Arthur as someone the Eels need to shut down to help nullify the Rabbitohs in attack.
“I thought (Farah’s) been really good, especially the last couple of weeks, for them. I thought he was a big show for the State of Origin,” Arthur said.
“But a lot of their attack revolves around him, bringing the forwards onto the ball, which allows their backs and in particular Walker to be dangerous.”
Arthur said he was disappointed for Jennings amid speculation the incumbent Blues centre was under pressure to keep his spot from a strong field of contenders.
Instead Jennings is out for up to four weeks with a quad injury, with Josh Dugan and Jarryd Hayne manning the three-quarter line against Queensland.
“I’ve been really happy with (Jennings), especially the last month. We worked on his involvement throughout the pre-season and getting more touches out of him,” Arthur said.
“The last month we worked on quality and he’s shown that, as a State of Origin player needs to.”
Yawhoa
Guest
Not related to this article, but I reckon NSW's are likely to lose the series when time after time players are selected out of there club positions or selected having missed previous club games leading up to origin through injury!! This selection process drives me nuts!
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Arthur was obviously asked about Farahs non-selection. What was he suppose to answer? "No, I think he's crap and deserves to get dropped" and fire him up 24 hours before playing him?
Mike from tari
Guest
Hats off to Arthur, he voiced his opinion as an NRL coach & as his team is playing Farah's team he is entitled to open up about opposition players & as he pointed out Farah is going alright in his last 2 games.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
No youre not Brad, stop being cheeky.
StAdam
Guest
Agreed. If Croker was selected in Hayne's place I'd say that it's a pretty great NSW squad. I dont care what he did in the SOO arena 3 years ago - since returning to the NRL he doesn't seem to be able to compete for a full 80 mins or keep himself 100% fit.
Conan of Cooma
Roar Rookie
Farah is greedy with the ball, like Gallen. Having them both out of the NSW side gives opportunities to other players that are willing to shift the ball around more. I am worried about Hayne though - I sense he will become the "I can win this bro!" player of 2017, possibly doing more damage than good.
GD66
Guest
Please, stop. That's enough now, everyone in the southern hemisphere has recycled at least one Pearce redemption story, expressed disbelief at Billy Whizz's omission, and why Farah should/shouldn't be there. Two good squads are selected, and that's who we'll get to see run out next Wednesday night. I'm happy to wait with anticipation, not to kick pebbles around over who's missed out for Game 1. Enough.