Blues invite Maroons to target Farah

NSW captain Paul Gallen says he welcomes any Queensland attempts to target Robbie Farah’s troublesome shoulder in State of Origin II.

Farah made it through both of the Blues’ contact sessions at their Coffs Harbour base over the weekend, before they flew to Melbourne on Sunday afternoon.

The Wests Tigers skipper is certain to take his place in the Blues side for Origin II at the MCG on Wednesday, even if aided by a painkilling injection.

Gallen said he has no concerns about Farah lining up in the Blues defence.

“He’s a hooker, they all get targeted,” Gallen said.

“The hooker and the halves get targeted every game, that’s probably the reason he made 60 tackles (in an Origin in 2012) and makes 50 every week at club level.

“They’re always targeted because they are generally smaller. Not only that but they try to take some of their attacking ability away. Robbie will be fine. I’m not worried about it. They (Queensland) can do what they want.”

Farah has worked overtime on rehabilitating his injured left shoulder after suffering the problem in a first half tackle from Justin Hodges in Origin I.

Gallen said Farah’s determination to play Game II was an inspiration to his teammates.

“He certainly deserves to be here, he has looked great at training,” Gallen said.

“It shows how important it is to everyone but particularly him and particularly where he’s come from in the past couple of years.

“It was only a few years ago he wasn’t picked, he probably never cemented his spot until 2012 it might have been where he had the 60-odd tackles so he’s cemented his spot in the team now, he wants to keep it.

“Sometimes when you get an injury your attitude can be down because you’re concerned about your injury but there’s no sign of that at all, he’s chirpy around training, he’s calling plays, everything has gone really smoothly.”

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!