Farah the man for NSW: Sheens

Wests Tigers hooker Robbie Farah is the right man to wear the New South Wales number nine jersey against Queensland this year, according to Tim Sheens.

Amid rumours that veteran dummy-half Danny Buderus could make a surprise return to the Blues fold, Tigers and Australia coach Sheens has backed Farah.

“He should be playing for NSW without a doubt,” Sheens said.

“I think NSW has to work hard at what they’re doing down the track and I can’t see a 34-year-old Danny Buderus there next year, if he is there this year.”

Farah hasn’t played Origin since 2009 but Sheens says the 28-year-old should form a vital part of the New South Wales team.

“At some stage NSW are going to have to start saying this is the group we are going to go with and stick with it,” said Sheens.

“The one thing that is consistent with the Australian side and Queensland is the spine. I know it is an obvious choice for Queensland and Australia but for NSW to compete, they have to come up with an obvious choice and stick with them otherwise you make them (players) afraid.

“So many of the players over the last few years have been worried about their individual form for NSW and are so afraid to try things in fear of being dropped.

“When you look at the combinations over the last four or five years, we have so many changes there that the guys are obviously concerned about trying something in a game in the fear that if you make a mistake, you are out.”