Farah named to face Knights
June 21, 2012 15:31:40 UK
Robbie Farah has been named in the Wests Tigers team to play Newcastle on Monday, but the Tigers will understand if he pulls out.
Farah was a late withdrawal from the side that lost to the Roosters, after his mother Sonia died on Sunday morning after a battle with cancer.
The skipper is being monitored as to how he feels. He attended the funeral on Wednesday and will be given as much time as he needs before deciding whether or not to play.
"He'll let us know how he wants to respond," Wests Tigers CEO Stephen Humphreys said. "We'll catch up with him over the next couple of days and let him determine when he's ready to come back.
Masada Iosefa drops back to a six-man bench to accommodate Farah's possible return. The Knights welcome back Origin duo Darius Boyd and Akuila Uate for the clash.
Wests Tigers are 1.44 to win, with the Knights 2.80 and the tie available at 21.00.
Brisbane have named Josh McGuire at lock, however veteran Corey Parker believes he is a chance to make a shock return from a gruesome leg injury suffered in Origin II.
Parker was not named by coach Anthony Griffin on Tuesday and is racing the clock to play at Suncorp Stadium. Petero Civoniceva will return from Origin duty to play his 300th NRL game, with Justin Hodges also slotting back into the side after being rested against the Cowboys.
Sam Thaiday resumes the captaincy and second-row spot after missing both Origin and last week's NRL match with a shoulder injury.
"I am a chance of playing this week," Parker said. "The thing that has helped me is that no muscle has been cut, so it is just like a normal cut to the face or head or wherever.
"It hasn't been a week yet but there has been no infection. If they (medical staff) are convinced and I am convinced it will not split open, then I can't see why with padding on it, I won't be able to play."
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