Robbie Farah, Australian rugby league player

Robert "Robbie" Farah: A Distinguished Career in Rugby League

Robert Peter Farah, widely known by his popular moniker Robbie Farah (Arabic: روبي فرح), born on 23 January 1984, is an acclaimed Australian former professional rugby league footballer. Renowned for his exceptional prowess as a hooker, a pivotal role in rugby league, Farah's illustrious career spanned from the early 2000s into the late 2010s, leaving an enduring legacy on the sport through his formidable leadership, astute game management, and remarkable durability.

The Wests Tigers Era: A Club Icon and Premiership Glory

Farah is most prominently associated with the Wests Tigers, the National Rugby League (NRL) club where he spent the vast majority of his professional playing career. From his NRL debut in 2003 until 2016, he became an integral figure and a revered fan favourite at the club, known for his relentless work rate from dummy-half, precise passing, and strategic kicking game. His crowning achievement with the Tigers undoubtedly came in 2005 when he played a pivotal role as the team's hooker in their historic NRL Premiership victory. In that memorable Grand Final, the Wests Tigers, often considered underdogs, triumphed over the North Queensland Cowboys, securing the club's first-ever premiership since its formation in 1999 through the merger of the Balmain Tigers and Western Suburbs Magpies. Farah's consistent high-level performances and deep connection with the club solidified his status as a true legend of the Wests Tigers, making him synonymous with a golden era for the joint venture.

Elite Representative Honours: Australia, Lebanon, and State of Origin

Farah's outstanding talent earned him significant representative honours across various levels of the game. On the international stage, he proudly represented both Australia and Lebanon. For Australia, he earned caps for the Kangaroos, showcasing his skill against the world's elite rugby league nations. Demonstrating immense pride in his heritage, Farah also notably represented and captained the Lebanon national team, known as the Cedars. A significant highlight was his leadership of the Cedars at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, where he guided them to a remarkable quarter-final berth, marking a historic achievement for Lebanese rugby league. Domestically, Farah was a consistent and influential figure for the New South Wales Blues in the fiercely contested State of Origin series. He made 16 appearances for the Blues between 2009 and 2016, a testament to his enduring quality at the sport's highest domestic level, and notably held the captaincy, exemplifying his leadership qualities in one of Australian sport's most intense rivalries.

City vs Country and Later Career at South Sydney Rabbitohs

Between 2006 and 2012, Farah was a regular fixture for the City team in the annual City vs Country representative game, a traditional pre-State of Origin showcase that pitted Sydney-based players against those from regional New South Wales. His leadership capabilities were further recognised when he captained the City side from 2009 onwards, highlighting his standing as a respected figure in the game. Towards the latter stage of his career, after over 250 first-grade games for the Wests Tigers, Farah transitioned to the South Sydney Rabbitohs. He played for the iconic red and green club during the 2017 and 2018 National Rugby League seasons, bringing his wealth of experience and formidable dummy-half play to another prominent Sydney club before concluding his decorated playing career at the elite level.

Frequently Asked Questions About Robbie Farah

What primary position did Robbie Farah play in rugby league?
Robbie Farah primarily played as a hooker (or dummy-half), a crucial position responsible for initiating attacking plays, distributing the ball from the ruck, and defending vigorously in the middle of the field.
Which NRL team did Robbie Farah spend most of his career with?
Robbie Farah spent the majority of his professional rugby league career with the Wests Tigers, playing for them from his debut in 2003 until 2016, becoming a true club legend.
Did Robbie Farah win an NRL Premiership?
Yes, Robbie Farah was a key member of the Wests Tigers team that famously won the 2005 NRL Premiership, defeating the North Queensland Cowboys in the Grand Final.
What international teams did Robbie Farah represent?
Robbie Farah proudly represented both the Australian Kangaroos and the Lebanon Cedars on the international rugby league stage, even captaining Lebanon at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
How many State of Origin games did Robbie Farah play for New South Wales?
Robbie Farah made 16 appearances for the New South Wales Blues in the State of Origin series between 2009 and 2016, also serving as captain during parts of his tenure.