The Wests Tigers have received a massive boost with Robbie Farah declaring himself a near certain starter for their Easter Monday clash against the Eels on March 28.
Farah is yet to play an NRL game in 2016 after injuring his right knee in a pre-season trial game against the Sharks at Campbelltown Stadium in February.
There were initial fears Farah had torn his anterior cruciate ligament, which would have seen him sidelined for the entire season, but thankfully for the Tigers, scans revealed he had torn his meniscus instead.
Farah was expected to miss between four to six weeks, but appears ready to make a surprise return less than a month into the season.
"It's really good," the Tigers No.9 told NRL.com at the NRL's fourth annual Harmony Day Festival at Merrylands Park on Friday.
"I've picked up the training this week and had some really good running sessions, so I'll be looking to get back next week against the Parramatta Eels on Easter Monday."
The Tigers have surprised many by starting the season with back-to-back wins against two teams that were expected to challenge for the top four, and could find themselves unbeaten when they face rivals Parramatta in the traditional Easter Monday clash.
The past two holiday fixtures between the sides have been thrillers, with the Tigers winning on both occasions.
"We've played them two years in a row, and I think they've both been blockbusters," Farah said.
"I missed the first one through injury when Brooksy [Luke Brooks] kicked the winning field goal. Last year Patty Richards set up that try for Teddy [James Tedesco].
"There's always a massive crowd. Everyone comes over from the Easter Show so we generally get 40-50,000 there, so it'll be a great one to come back for."
Farah's return will complete a Tigers' spine that has shone in the opening fortnight of the season.
The form of both halves - in particular five-eighth Mitch Moses – has been overshadowed by fullback James Tedesco, who leads the league with five tries from two games.
The Tigers hooker isn't surprised to see his younger teammate performing so well, and believes Tedesco would be ready for State of Origin if selected to play for NSW.
"I thought he was ready a long time ago. Last year was important for him. He's had a few disrupted years with injury, but last year he played every minute of every game for the Tigers and that was a massive achievement for him," Farah said.
"His form was outstanding, and he's picked up from where he left off last year. If he keeps going the way he is then it will be very hard to not pick him."
