Lewis’s friendships put Tigers in box seat

Wests Tigers captain Robbie Farah and coach Tim Sheens are hopeful their strong personal relationships with outgoing Penrith backrower Luke Lewis will convince him to join the joint venture NRL club.

Lewis and Farah forged a strong bond during NSW’s unsuccessful State of Origin campaign while Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens has coached Lewis at international level.

Farah said he had spoken to Lewis during his turbulent week and that Wests Tigers would love to have a player of his calibre join them.

“It would be nice,” Farah said.

“He is a quality player and that shows in the amount of interest that has been in him this week. A lot of clubs would like to have him. I’m no different, we are no different.

“I’m not sure what our situation is but if we can I’m sure all the boys would like to have him here.

“I got to know him over Origin and the last few Australia tours and consider him a really good friend.

“I have been in contact with him to see if he is alright and said to him he has to do what is best for himself that’s most important and he needs to go where he is happy at a place and he can achieve his goals. Hopefully he sees our club as that place.”

Sheens said Lewis’s search for a new club would prove a difficult time for him.

“I think everyone would (be happy to have him),” Sheens said.

“I know there are plenty of clubs chasing him and that would be confusing for him. I know Luke pretty well myself and he will be wanting to do his best for the team (Penrith) for the rest of the season.

“Once players sort out their future whether to stay or go they settle down and want to do their best for their mates.”

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