Kangaroos and Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens called for an immediate end to Robbie Farah’s State of Origin exile on Thursday, saying NSW must pick the Tigers skipper ahead of Newcastle’s Danny Buderus.

Farah has not played for the Blues since game two in 2009 and is believed to be behind the 34-year-old Buderus in the pecking order.

But Sheens says picking Farah makes the most sense to revive the NSW team.

At the start of each season the Maroons have the luxury of picking their fullback, halves and hooker combination without blinking an eye – a situation that hasn’t changed following the retirement of champion No.6 Darren Lockyer.

And the NRL’s most experienced coach insists the only way to end Queensland’s six-year reign is to find the right spine and stick with it.

“The one thing that’s consistent with the Australian side and Queensland is the spine,” Sheens said on Thursday.

“I know it’s an obvious choice for Queensland and probably Australia, however I think NSW to compete has to come up with an obvious choice.

“Make that choice and stick with them.”

And that starts with Farah, the man Sheens describes as NSW’s best dummy-half threat.

Sheens believes Farah’s combination with City halfback Mitchell Pearce, who is firming for a Blues jersey with every match, and Cronulla’s Todd Carney, who looms as the likely five-eighth, should be something NSW can build on in the future.

“I think NSW has to work hard at what they’re doing down the track and I can’t see a 34-year-old Danny Buderus there next year, if he is there this year,” Sheens said.

“I thought that was Ricky’s idea last year to come up with a spine and stick with it.

“That’s obviously gone by the by with (incumbent five-eighth Jamie) Soward out of favour and even (hooker) Mick Ennis out of favour.

“I think at some stage NSW are going to have to look at ‘well this is the group we’re going to go with’ and stick with it.”

Sheens said the constant juggling of players has created an environment in which potential Blues played within themselves for fear of making mistakes.

“You’re making them afraid,” he said.

“I think so many players over the past few years have been worried about their individual form in NSW, so afraid to really try things for fear of being dropped.”

Farah, who has struggled with injury and suspension this year, said his impressive showing for City had been coming all season.

The 28-year-old has clearly not given up hope on reclaiming the Blues hooking role.

“I feel like I’ve been building into that form for a while,” Farah said.

“I haven’t been overlooked because the team hasn’t been picked yet.

“While I’m a chance, I’ll keep doing everything I can.”

Farah will get another excellent chance to showcase his talent when the Tigers take on struggling Parramatta on Sunday.

“There’s obviously still football to be played before you make a decision,” Sheens said.

“It’s up to guys like Rob, or anyone else who is maybe not being considered in the side, to show with some good football.”