Four years of persistence pays off for Liddle

Wests Tigers back-up hooker Jacob Liddle has spent four seasons playing second fiddle under three NRL coaches but his commitment to the club never wavered as he now looks towards long-term success.

Liddle re-signed with the joint venture on a new two-year deal earlier this week following news Robbie Farah would hang up his boots at season's end.

It's been a long time coming for Liddle, who made his NRL debut in 2016 while Farah's relationship with the club begin to sour under then coach Jason Taylor.

Farah's return to the club in 2018 has put Liddle in and out of the NRL. A series of injuries has also contributed to restricting him to 37 first-grade games across four seasons. 

"It's been good, I've played more NRL games than I thought I would," Liddle said.

"Obviously Robbie has been killing it so I've been patient and biding my time. I love this club and you learn a lot when you come in and out around mindset.

"It's been a good lesson early on in my career and getting it right every week has been my goal. It's been weird with different coaches but with Madge I see a future here and he sees me part of the future."

Liddle could've been forgiven for thinking he'd barely get another game with Farah's return in 2018 and be tempted to move elsewhere.

After featuring off the bench for 10 appearances in 2019, the 22-year-old now finds himself back on an extended squad list.

"They've been killing it and have been winning their games on defence. The boys have been playing off the back of that and attacking well," Liddle said. 

"There were other clubs but I just had to see what the Tigers have to offer first and make my decision from there. We've got a lot of forwards coming through and team is looking good.

"I'm really happy with the club. It comes back to patience, I thought if I got back on the park I can do my thing and improve myself."

Liddle was preparing for anything to close out the season, especially if an injury to Farah strikes late in their campaign.

"There's still time left so if I can get back into the NRL I'll be happy," he said.

"Robbie's been good, you learn heaps off him just the way he trains. He comes to training consistently every day, that's what you have to learn off those people.

"There's still plenty of games left in the season. If I can help the team with anything I'll try my best."