Farah not expecting favours from Sheens

He may be Test coach Tim Sheens' No.1 man at NRL level, but Wests Tigers skipper
Robbie Farah knows that won't guarantee him anything when it comes to clinching a
Kangaroos berth.
Farah is a distinct No.2 when it comes to the hooking spot in the Australian side,
with vice-captain Cameron Smith amongst the first names on Sheens' Test teamsheet
whenever fit.
But the predicament hasn't discouraged Farah from giving his all - just as it didn't
when he was forced to wait behind NSW Origin skipper Danny Buderus for a start with
the Blues early in his career.
"He's (Smith) going to be the first choice - for me it's just about training hard
and making sure I'm ready if the chance comes up," Farah said.
"Last year on tour I got a couple of opportunities and this year hopefully I'll get
a chance somewhere down the track.
"In England (for last year's Four Nations) I was on the bench and Tim wanted to use
a double dummy half system there - depending on what kind of system he plays and who
we're playing against, he might pick the two hookers (again)."
But there is no guarantee that second hooker will be Farah either, with incumbent
Test utility Kurt Gidley and uncapped St George Illawarra backrower/hooker Dean
Young more than capable of jumping into dummy half.
Farah offers flexibility given he can also fill in at halfback, but Gidley offers
enormous value as a bench player given he can slot in everywhere bar the front row
if required.
While his club relationship with Sheens may not guarantee a Test start, Farah did
admit his knowledge of the coach's game plans could prove crucial in him getting the
nod.
"I've been coached by him my whole career - he knows my style of game and what I can
do," Farah said.
"Depending on the game plan he's trying to execute, I'm sure I can relate to that
probably the best out of any of these boys.
"Hopefully that sways things in my favour.
"When you come into these camps all club allegiances go out the window and - if he
thinks I'm a chance or deserving of a bench spot even, I'll be happy with that.
"If not I'll just train hard, keep my head down and even if I jag a game later in
the tournament, it's always a privilege to pull on the jumper."



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