Robbie Farah was reduced to tears after he was given a hero's exit from Leichhardt Oval, taking aim at Jason Taylor after fans began chanting for the coach's sacking.
In an emotion-charged afternoon, Leichhardt Oval was transformed into the Farah tribute show on Saturday as Wests Tigers fans took out their frustrations on the coach in an incredible show of support for the embattled hooker.
While Farah has managed to bite his tongue since his axing on Wednesday, he finally opened up on his position at the club,
"It's been hard. I've kept my mouth shut for the last couple of years and it's hard when you see stuff written about you, false stuff about you, and really I haven't responded," Farah said.
"I'll just keep copping it on the chin and become a sucker for punishment. I've sat back, and really there's nothing to gain by me saying anything. My opinion doesn't really matter. It's hard when you hear things being said about you, false stuff about you, things like cohesion in attack.
"I've played four games in the last 12 weeks for the Tigers, three of those have been wins and three of those wins we've scored over 30 points. So if you think that's a lack of cohesion in attack, I think you guys can form an opinion over that.
"Our biggest problem is our defence. When JT came to the club ... he said publicly that in the past we've been an attacking club, and I find it ironic now that he's talking about lack of cohesion in attack when we've got the second worst defence in the comp. I think the attack is the least of our problems and I think I'm the least of our problems in attack as well."
While Taylor was a no-show, Benji Marshall returned to his old stomping ground ahead of the Dragons' clash with the Tigers on Sunday, joined by former Tigers halfback Tim Moltzen to watch the 42-24 win.
Skipper Aaron Woods and back-rower Chris Lawrence also turned out to watch the Intrust Super Cup game, but it was more of a protest than a football game as 2500 fans gatecrashed the match to cheer on the former club captain and voice their dismay at Taylor.
Farah admitted there's a part of him that knows he might have played his final NRL game for the club, but was quick to point out he still had a contract for next season.
"I've got a contract for next year and I'm entitled to stay and as long as I do that, like I said, I'll keep doing what is required of me," Farah said.
"However else I get treated is out of my control. All I can control is my actions and I'll continue to train hard as I've always done and try and keep my mouth shut.
"I'll try not to do anything wrong because I think that's what they're trying to get me to do, but I'm a bit smarter than that."
Security had to intervene on multiple occasions throughout the afternoon to remove banners criticising the maligned coach who decided to dump the NSW hooker to reserve grade for Sunday's game against the Dragons.
"We like Farah but love Fa'alogo," one banner said, referring to former Souths player David Fa'alogo who punched Taylor during mad Monday celebrations in 2009.
A "F**k JT we love Robbie" banner was confiscated by security, before a man with a "sack JT ASAP – JT is a dog" sign was also thrown out of the venue.
Incredible scenes at Leichhardt Oval in support of @robbiefarah pic.twitter.com/qdbCMk7Izg— Michael Chammas (@MichaelChammas) July 23, 2016
Fans lined up to take photos with Farah and the banner outside the gates.
"All the sentimental stuff has gone out the window for me now," Farah said. "Today was just as good as playing 250 at Leichhardt. Today is the day I will never forget. It's a special day. I'll look back in 10 or 20 years and remember the people who showed up and supported me.
"Whether I play another game for the TIgers or not, I've given my career to this club and in 20 years' time I'd like to think they still remember me as a person who gave my all to this club."
He set up two tries on the afternoon and his efforts saw the crowd erupt into chants of "Farah, Farah", with many deciding to sledge the Tigers coach.
"Stop running Robbie, JT wants you to stand still," one Tigers tragic yelled out.
"Too exciting Robbie, you need to be a statue," another said.
There were no shortage of banners: "Farah captain coach" one read, while another said: "Heroes get remembered but legends never die. Robbie we love you".
