Wests Tigers Life Member Robbie Farah has today announced his retirement from the NRL with his 17-year career set to come to an end at the conclusion of the 2019 season.

The 35-year-old will retire as the most-capped player in Wests Tigers history, having begun his first-grade career with the club in 2003.

A Leichhardt junior, Farah played his first game for Wests Tigers as a teenager — making his first-grade debut at Leichhardt Oval against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. Following Darren Senter’s retirement, Farah became the club’s primary hooker in 2005, where he played 27 matches and helped the club to its maiden Premiership victory over the North Queensland Cowboys.

The crafty number nine would go on to play 274 first-grade games in total for Wests Tigers, including 149 as captain, while also playing 26 games for the South Sydney Rabbitohs as part of his 300-game NRL career.

In addition to his vast achievements at club level, Farah has also reached numerous representative honours including eight Tests for Australia, seven Tests for Lebanon and 16 games for the New South Wales State of Origin side.

He will retire as a Life Member of Wests Tigers, the highest try-scoring hooker of all-time and one of just 39 players in Premiership history to have played 300 games.

Wests Tigers Chairman Barry O’Farrell paid credit to Farah’s long-standing service to Wests Tigers.

“On behalf of all at Wests Tigers, I’d like to congratulate Robbie on an incredible and distinguished rugby league career,” O’Farrell said.

“Robbie has given so much to Wests Tigers in his unwavering commitment on and off the field, and it is wonderful to recognise his career and achievements.

“His loyalty to the club, determination and toughness will be a lasting inspiration for Wests Tigers players, and it is fantastic to see him finish his time in rugby league in the colours he is so passionate about.”

Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe praised Farah’s unquestionable passion for Wests Tigers and his service to the club throughout his career.

“It is a special occasion today to honour what has been a stellar career,” Pascoe said.

“Robbie retires as not only the most capped player in Wests Tigers history but also our most experienced captain and inaugural Life Member. He has played such a big part in making Wests Tigers what it is today, and it has been a great pleasure to have a player of his calibre and character represent this club throughout his career.

“I have no doubt that Robbie will go down as not only a great of Wests Tigers, but the greats of the game as a whole, and it’s been a privilege to have him play such a large part of his career at this club.”

Wests Tigers Head Coach Michael Maguire recognised the key role that Farah has played for the side in 2019.

“Robbie has played an incredibly important part in the history of this club, but his role in setting the direction for our team this year has been just as important,” Maguire said.

“As a leader, his competitiveness and desire to win is as high as any player in the game.

“I’ve constantly been impressed by Robbie’s focus to ensure this team is moving forward and he is determined to keep delivering on-field,” he said.

“We’ve got a big chance to deliver as a team again on Thursday night, and Robbie will continue to play a key role for us each week as we do that for the rest of this season.”