Friend says dropping Farah may be for best
TITANS co-captain Nathan Friend says the controversial omission of Robbie Farah “may be the way forward’’ for the Wests Tigers given the success of the move.
Friend will return from a hamstring injury to bolster the Titans bench and add spark from dummy-half.
But he will not face off against fellow veteran Farah, who has been banished to NSW Cup in a controversial move by coach Jason Taylor.
“I don’t know what’s happening there but (Dene) Halatau’s doing a great job and obviously the team’s responded to the coach’s move,’’ Friend said.
“It looks great for Jason Taylor at the present and maybe it is the way forward for the club.’’
Today’s match is a mustwin for the Titans, who are in a race with the Tigers, Panthers and Warriors for the last two spots in the eight.
Friend’s return will be a welcome calming presence for the Titans but he denied the players were starting to waver under pressure.
“No one’s had pressure on them all year, so nothing really changes,’’ Friend said.
“Obviously the excitement rises because of the time of the year and we’re in contention for the semis, which at the start of the year, no one would really have thought.
“In-house, we’ve still got the confidence and belief in each other that we can still press (for the eight), I certainly do and I’m trying to get that across to the players.’’
Friend, who returns after a fortnight on the sidelines, said there was a moment he feared his career was over and he was relieved when scans showed his hamstring strain was not as bad as first thought.
“I was quite pleased and obviously I was looking forward to the last four games and where this could lead us and hopefully finish my career a happy man.
“It’s been a few years since I’ve played finals. Obviously I’ve played in a (grand final) and I know what it feels like ... so I’d love to press for a spot in the semis this year and finish on the right note. Everyone who’s in contention loves playing at this time of year.’’