NSW hooker Robbie Farah has revealed his State of Origin inspiration, describing Laurie Daley's public pledge to pick him from reserve grade as a show of loyalty that has him desperate to repay the faith.
The Wests Tigers hooker was an emotional wreck after he was told by coach Jason Taylor that he would be playing NSW Cup if he didn't leave the club at the end of last season, and contemplated a move to England to escape the never-ending spotlight over his influence at the joint venture club.
But it was Daley's vow, declaring "I wouldn't hesitate to pick him if he's playing State Cup", that provided Farah with a sense of purpose during a dark period in his life, and he has revealed how emotional he became after hearing the NSW coach's comments.
"It was the biggest show of loyalty you can have from a player and a person and a coach of the calibre of Laurie Daley," Farah said.
"For him to do that, it made me pretty emotional to be honest. It's etched in my head and it drives me every day. For everything he has achieved in the game, for him to come out and support me like he did was something I will never forget.
"It was a massive help to me considering everything I was going through at the Tigers at such a difficult time. I'll continue to do my best to repay him every time I pull on a blue jumper. That's definitely a motivating factor for me – he stood by me now I have to repay that faith."
The NSW No.9, who missed last year's game three massacre at Suncorp Stadium through injury, has achieved almost everything there is to do in the game.
But he still rates winning last year's 'true blue' award, judged by Daley for a player who best displays the qualities the team is built around, as one of the biggest honours of his career.
"Considering what I was going through at the Tigers at the time, and I've won awards in the past, but to win that award was probably the most humbling and emotional award I've ever won," Farah said.
"I was taken back by that. He's a living legend of the game, it's Laurie Daley. One of the best that's ever played the game.
"For him to have that faith in me, that respect for me and to think that highly of me, it just blew me away. I love the bloke. I will do anything I can to keep playing under him. I have that much respect for him."
One of the main reasons Farah didn't pack up and walk away from Australia was his desire to represent the Blues and a shot at redemption after last year's heartbreaking series defeat.
He had previously held private discussions with Daley regarding his situation at the Tigers, but he insists he never expected such a public backing.
"I had tremendous support right through that from people everywhere. But for the NSW coach ... he didn't have to come out and say that," Farah said.
"There was no obligation for him to say that. But for him to come out publicly and say something that I'm not sure has ever been said about anyone.
"He'd called me with everything going on and wanted to make sure I was okay and told me to stand my ground if I felt that was right. In private he'd spoken to me, but I didn't think he'd go about publicly and say what he said. It's one thing to say something in private."
Daley said there has been no doubting Farah's commitment to the Blues over the years.
"Robbie has been very good to us, and he was a guy that we felt for when he was going through his issues," Daley said.
"He's a pretty proud player and a he's a leader in this team. He's a guy that everyone respects."
