Robbie Farah appears set to extend his career into a 17th NRL season after deciding to play on in 2019 with Wests Tigers.

It’s understood Farah is expected to sign the new deal shortly, which will keep him at the club for one more year and beyond his 35th birthday.

The Tigers are yet to announce the deal, but coach Ivan Cleary is confident Farah and veteran five-eighth Benji Marshall will stay around for another year.

“I’m quietly confident they will stick around, but I’m just crossing my fingers at this stage,” Cleary said on Wednesday.

“I would like them to stick around, but it’s a difficult one because it’s a big decision for those guys for a variety of reasons.

“From what I’ve seen (Robbie’s) still competitive and enjoying his footy. I’m sure we’ll be able to work something out.”

Cleary also hopes the Tigers’ rise up the ladder this year to ninth position with their most wins since 2011 with 12, will play a part.

“I think we’re definitely building a good foundation here,” Cleary said.

“You need that because it’s a tough competition and you don’t just click your fingers and all of a sudden you’re a top-four team.

“I think the club is definitely going in the right direction and to have the calibre of those types of guys to be with the club is a good thing.”

Farah debuted at the Tigers in 2003 and has played 255 games for the club, as well as 26 for South Sydney during a year-and-a-half stint there in 2017 and early 2018.

The news comes after the former NSW State of Origin hooker said last week he was focusing on steering the club to the finals before making a decision on his future.

But results went against the Tigers last weekend, meaning Thursday night’s clash with the Rabbitohs would have been his last in the NRL if he retired.