Talks between Robbie Farah and the Wests Tigers look set to continue into a fourth month, with the star hooker’s future still uncertain.
Discussions continued on Sunday over Farah’s possible departure from the club after the former captain took up the option to look elsewhere.
Reports suggested discussions ranged anywhere between a possible payout fee of up to $1.7 million for an immediate release, to an extended four-year contract at the club.
The club denied suggestions of the contract extension but club CEO Justin Pascoe said they were considering a deal with the rake where he could continue working at Wests Tigers when his playing days were over.
“We are looking at a number of options with Robbie, including what role he may play with Wests Tigers once he finishes his playing career,” Pascoe said.
“Robbie is approaching 250 games with Wests Tigers and any club would be open to having a player of that experience involved in an ambassador role after their retirement.
“We will continue to work closely with Robbie and his management to come up with an agreement that meets the needs of both parties.
“Robbie still has two years left on his playing contract with Wests Tigers and at this stage remains a part of the club’s plans for the 2016 season.”
After weeks stubbornly insisting he would see out his contract despite falling out with coach Jason Taylor, it had seemed likely the 31-year-old was on his way across town with a move arranged to the Sydney Roosters.
All that remained was for Farah’s management and the Tigers to agree on the size of a payout of the two years remaining on his current contract, worth an estimated $2 million.
Roosters CEO Brian Canavan was tight-lipped on the saga when contacted by AAP.
“No news as the issue lies with Wests Tigers and Farah,” Canavan said.
The Tricolours’ shock interest in the NSW vice-captain came despite the Roosters already having co-captain Jake Friend, touted as a future State of Origin hooker.
Friend, 25, still has three seasons remaining on his current deal after re-committing with the glamour club midway through 2014.
However, his standing would be clouded should Farah join the club.
Friend’s manager Steve Gillis declined to comment until any potential move was confirmed.
“We’ve got no comment to make because as far as we’re aware it’s between Farah and the clubs he’s talking to,” Gillis said.
If Farah departed the club it would leave Taylor with just two hookers on the books – former Manly veteran Matt Ballin, who is recovering from a knee reconstruction, and promising Manaia Cherrington.
Farah, who played in the club’s 2005 premiership team, has played 238 games for the Tigers since his debut the same season, and captained the side for six years before stepping down in the pre-season.
