The Sydney Roosters have emerged as a shock suitor for Robbie Farah after the NSW hooker demanded a release and a full payout from the final two years of his contract from Wests Tigers.
Farah's manager, Sam Ayoub, emailed the club on Friday night to officially ask to be released from his contractual commitments. The NSW hooker is on approximately $1.9 million over that period and the joint-venture outfit has been asked to release him and pay out the entirety.
Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe confirmed the release had been requested and would be considered if it could be negotiated on commercial terms that are reasonable to both parties. However, he said the Tigers wouldn't be paying out Farah in full in order to play at another side.
"We received an email last night asking for a release, but we haven't agreed to any terms," Pascoe said.
"Until terms are agreeable, Robbie remains a contracted player and we expect him to see out all the obligations of that contract."
It's unlikely that Farah would have asked for a release unless he had a destination in mind for next season. The 31 year old has been linked to St George Illawarra after Fairfax Media revealed in September that the other joint-venture outfit had emerged as a contender for his services. However, the Roosters have been in secret talks with Farah about a potential shift to Bondi Junction.
The Roosters already have an outstanding rake on their books in Jake Friend. The club co-captain is considered an 80-minute player and the man most likely to succeed Cameron Smith as the Maroons No.9. Fairfax Media has been told the tri-colours view Farah as potentially a valuable addition, particularly given the reduction in the interchange from 10 to eight next year.
In order for any shift to happen, the Tigers and Farah must first agree to terms with the Tigers.
The development comes just days after coach Jason Taylor said Farah would be considered for his round one side if the former captain continued to train well during the off season.
Farah, who recently relinquished the captaincy, has been on the outer at the Tigers and the club gave him the opportunity to explore his options earlier in the season.
