Robbie Farah - best in the game?

[Balmain_Boy]

Has Robbie Farah usurped Danny Buderus as the best hooker in the game, at least at club level? Last year he was the best statistically, if not on form. He can create tries in a manner that (at least imo) other hookers in the game can. Picking blindside plays, short balls, a very good kicking game and can break the line. One of his greatest assets however, is his ability to make his forward pack look good. I sincerely believe the Tigers' pack would have been absolutely steamrolled in the final series last year, if not for Farah's deft work around the ruck drawing markers and helping his forward's get over the advantage line.

Admittedly defensively Buderus and Priddis (other as well no doubt) are much better. I think they are better at pinching 10 metres here and there as well. However if the last 2 matches are any indication, his game is about lift a new level. There is no doubt in my mind he's the best footballer in our team, better than Marshall and better than Prince.

So the question is has he gone past Buderus and Priddis?

BTW, I'm not expecting Danny Buderus to be dropped from Rep teams. He's an incumbent and a bloody good one. Obviously for an incumbent to be dropped, the replacement doesn't just have to knock on the door, they have to knock it down and the incumbent's performances at rep level have to fall a bit too.
Also, please don't dismiss me a biased Tigers' fan. If you don't agree, you don't agree. I've been hanging off posting for the fear of being classified as another biased Tiger. So if i'm wrong tell me why and leave it at that!

 

[Jobdog]

In one word - no. In saying that, he's not that far behind Bedsy, but he's without doubt, the number two hooker in the game at the moment.

 

[Timmah]

Biased Tigers fan.

Having said that - Farah is a gun!

 

[grouch]

Has the quota now gone up to 2 threads a day discussing Tigers players? Payten and Farah today, Skandalis and Laffranchi tomorrow etc. All of your players are wonderful. Satisfied?

 

[Garts]

Farah is a gun and a definate rep player of the future. Probably next year he will get a go!!!

 

[Balmain_Boy]

I was worried about posting it for that reason. Rest assured I'm not a particularly big fan of Payten and I'm unsure as to why Hybrid started a thread on him.

Having said that if a 2 line response perhaps you would best served ignoring the thread? Pretty easy to do.

 

[Mayor_Quimby]

no.

next question

 

[Southernsaint]

He plays well off the back of the surrender tackles that give the Tigers their go-forward...

 

[grouch]

Hey they were 3 sentences - the post above mine was only 3 words. It's just that all this player praising is a bit unseemly the week after a loss. Next we'll have Newcastle supporters telling us Milton Thaiday is the third best fullback, Matt Gidley is the fourth best centre and Josh Perry is just misunderstood.

 

[Balmain_Boy]

Hey they were 3 sentences - the post above mine was only 3 words. It's just that all this player praising is a bit unseemly the week after a loss. Next we'll have Newcastle supporters telling us Milton Thaiday is the third best fullback, Matt Gidley is the fourth best centre and Josh Perry is just misunderstood.

3 sentences but only 2 lines. I agree the topic about Payten was a little silly given the loss. However Farah was man of the match in a team beaten by 12 points. As a hooker, that's no mean feat.

And Southernsaint, i'm not biting mate.

 

[Mr Saab]

What has made Danny so good is the consistency over the past 5 yrs.
Robbie has had really one full yr in 1st grade (2005).
He is not better than Danny, not yet anyway.

 

[Slappy]

Farah is a dynamo, I agree he is as important to the tigers as Benji is.
He'd have to keep it up for a while to displace Bedsy, but I personally think he would be the next in line!

 

[aussies1st]

Hes good but hasn't taken over Buderus just yet. Buderus is back to his best this year after his not so good tri nations.

 

[Newcastlerabbit]

I would love to have Farrah at Souths.He will go all the way in the game.

 

[cainen]

He's good, but not that good.

 

[Johns Magic]

Not yet in my opinion. He's certainly a more flashy player, but I think Buderus is alot tougher and grittier. Farah suits the Tigers' style to a tee.

Maybe in a couple of years though.

 

[Carlito]

He plays well off the back of the surrender tackles that give the Tigers their go-forward...

Spot on.

 

[Tommy Smith]

If Wing doesnt pick up his game, then:

NSW:
9: Buderus
17: Farah

The only thing stopping that is Wings ability to play centre, 5/8 and halfback as well atm.

Farah has the attacking brain of Buderus as in he's also a very clever attacking hooker, picking the right options etc. But he's also got abit of extra zip, that ability to break the line at any moment anywhere on the field...and even go the length on his own.

He's definately an awesome player and future rep in the forseeable future. Although I reckon Priddis will be next in line atm for NSW/Aus purely because of experience (which isnt something i like players to be picked solely on because you have to make your debut some time!).

Another thing i'll say is that id love to see how he goes for NSW. because IMO buderus has never done anything spectacular in Origin. Tackles his heart out but never dominated to any extent like he has for Newcastle. Can Farah? Will be interesting to see.

 

[miccle]

Not just yet, but he is right up there in the pack that is breathing down Buderus' neck imo. I'd have Bedsy in the number one spot, with Cam Smith, Robbie Farah, Luke Priddis and Aaron Payne all pretty close to equal behind him.

All great players.

 

[Eddie.]

Farah is the best attacking Number 9 in the game, no risk.