League: Farah back in frame for shock Origin start

Robbie Farrah. File photo / Getty Images

Injured New South Wales Blues hooker Robbie Farah is on course to return earlier than expected and to play in the league State Of Origin series opener.

Farah was initially given little chance of playing against Queensland in game one in Brisbane on May 28 after dislocating his elbow in round six.

But, having previously done some weights and running work, Farah had his first field session back with his Wests Tigers club in Sydney yesterday.

Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter praised Farah's professional approach to his rehab, which could result in him playing against the Cronulla Sharks on May 17, in the final round of NRL games before the NSW Origin team is chosen.

"He might be able to trim a week off [his recovery time]," said Potter after watching Farah train.

"That would be nice for perhaps even NSW and it would be nice for him to be back for the first State of Origin.

"He's a player that leaves no stone unturned with his rehab and I'm really pleased where he's at right now."

Wests Tigers centre Chris Lawrence was certain Farah would be right to play in the first Origin encounter at Suncorp Stadium.

"I'll put money he'll be right for Origin one," Lawrence said.

"Knowing the way Robbie is and how much it means to him to play State of Origin, he'll definitely be right for that.

"He's done everything possible, so if there's a chance he can be back against the Sharks it would have been down to all his hard work.

"From the first day he did [the injury], he's done everything by the book to try and get back as quick as possible."

Lawrence acknowledged the Tigers' depth would be tested this week against reigning premiers Sydney Roosters, with Farah and exciting young fullback James Tedesco still injured.

"It's going to be a chance for our young guys to come up and show what they've got," Lawrence said.

He expected Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves to fire up after his shock omission from the New Zealand side and his stated intention to make the Four Nations squad.

"When you are left out of a rep side, you've definitely got a point to prove," Lawrence said.

"He's come out and said he would have loved to have played [in the test] so I'm sure he'll be in for a big game."

- AAP