Rugby League: Farah abandons Lebanon plans

Nov 12 2007 icWales

Wests Tigers hooker Robbie Farah has abandoned his dream of helping Lebanon qualify for the 2008 World Cup.

Farah was given permission by his Sydney club to fly over for Lebanon’s repechage final against Samoa at Featherstone on Wednesday but performed an about turn when he was warned it could cost him a chance to represent New South Wales and Australia.

“I had to make a choice and I want to play for Australia and NSW,” Farah told the Sydney Daily Telegraph.

“Those are the rules. It’s pretty disappointing – I finally get a clearance from the Wests Tigers and then all of a sudden I’m told about this rule.

“I know they can’t change it just for me but I really wanted to help Lebanon qualify. They have a young side and I have a lot of friends playing for them.

“But my priority is playing for NSW and Australia. It’s a dream of mine. It always has been.”

The winners of Wednesday’s match will secure the final place in the 10-team tournament to be held in Australia in October and November.