Robbie Farah retained in Tigers leadership group

The saga over Robbie Farah's future appears to have been brought to an end after Wests Tigers announced the experienced hooker would be part of the club's seven-man leadership group in 2016.

Farah has represented the Tigers since 2003, but the then captain was given permission to look for a new team in August and told he would be utilised at reserve-grade level if he chose to stay.

The 34-year-old subsequently requested a release from the final two years of his contract last month, yet a U-turn has now taken place, with Farah named as part of the Tigers' leadership group along with Dene Halatau, Chris Lawrence, Sauaso Sue, James Tedesco, Aaron Woods and fellow hooker Matt Ballin.

In a statement, Tigers chief executive officer Justin Pascoe said: "I am pleased to confirm that Robbie Farah and head coach Jason Taylor have committed to working together to drive greater success for Wests Tigers in 2016.

"On behalf of the club I want to apologise to our loyal Wests Tigers members and supporters for allowing this to be played out publicly.

"I am proud of the way that Jason, Robbie and the whole playing group have now embraced a new leadership approach that our new appointee Shane McCurry has introduced.

"I also want to acknowledge that the public nature of the contractual discussions have exposed Robbie to unwanted publicity."

Taylor said: "In regards to my relationship with Robbie we both have a commitment to this club and helping Wests Tigers be a power in the NRL.

"Both Robbie and I have had some really positive private conversations and we're both committed to the success of the club in 2016 and beyond and we are also clear as to what we need to do to drive that success."

Farah stated a willingness to move on from the drama, adding: "I am now simply just wanting to continue doing what I have always done, training as hard as I can so that I can perform to the best of my ability for the fans, members, team-mates and club.

"This club, the playing group and fans mean everything to me and I want to be around for what I think is going to be an exciting time for Wests Tigers."