By Josh Massoud
October 11, 2007 12:00am
THE Wests Tigers have barred Robbie Farah from international football because of the joint venture's failure to reach this year's finals series.
After missing Kangaroos selection, Farah was desperate to represent his nation of descent - Lebanon - in World Cup qualifiers against Russia and Ireland this month.
But, disturbed by the team's dramatic late-season exit from top-eight contention, Wests officials put the kybosh on Farah.
In an edict that also prevents coach Tim Sheens from assisting Russia, representative leave passes were only granted to players selected for Australia or New Zealand as the Tigers seek to rebuild over the off-season.
The decision left Farah disappointed - and Lebanese management seething - because both parties believed clearance was granted for him to play for the Cedars.
Lebanese RL general manager George Elias accused Wests of double standards, with Farah's absence making the league minnow's task of qualifying infinitely tougher.
"I think what they've done - allowing other players to represent New Zealand and banning Robbie from playing for us - is very unfair," Elias said.
"How can they expect us to make the World Cup, and grow the game overseas, if we don't have our best players."
Cedars coach Darren Maroon was only told last week that Farah - the 2007 Dally M medal runner-up - was off-limits.
"Tim Sheens rang me and said the board had decided not to release Robbie or any other players not involved with Australia or New Zealand," Maroon said. "It's double standards as far as I'm concerned."
Farah was reluctant to comment. "I don't know why they changed their mind," he said.
