Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter says his captain Robbie Farah doesn’t want out of the NRL joint venture amid reports the NSW No.9 has asked for a release from his contract.
Farah was given time off from training this week after Potter said he was emotionally drained following continued speculation over the future of the Tigers’ mentor and talk Farah was undermining his role.
But ahead of Monday’s vital round 21 match with Melbourne at Campbelltown Stadium Potter said Farah was committed to the Tigers and the relationship between coach and captain was fine.
“We are fine and we have always been fine, there has been no confrontation at all,” Potter said.
“I have been understanding of the situation, he has been hammered a little bit.
“He has been emotional and upset about his treatment and I can understand that.
“No (he doesn’t want out), he was just disappointed about all that went on.
“He is a passionate guy who wears his heart on his sleeve and emotion gets the better of him sometime (but) he supports me.”
Potter says his players can’t use the drama surrounding the embattled NRL club as an excuse for a poor performance against Melbourne.
“We don’t want any excuses. There are no excuses,” Potter said.
“We are out there to perform, we play rugby league and I coach the team and that (making excuses) won’t be acceptable.
“It has been a tough week media wise for the club and I understand you guys (the media) have to talk about stuff and have to write about stuff.
“We have got a tough match tomorrow night and we have prepared accordingly.”
Tigers halfback Luke Brooks remains in doubt for the match with a shoulder injury.