Wests Tigers have given their captain Robbie Farah permission to look for a new club in 2016 in a move that sent shock waves through the rugby league world on Tuesday night.

The club is in a diabolical salary cap position and the move is set to cause angst amongst all Tigers fans, similar to that of Luke Lewis’ departure from the Penrith Panthers a few years back.

“Wests Tigers has tonight confirmed that Captain Robbie Farah has been granted permission to investigate opportunities to continue his playing career at another Club following the 2015 NRL season” Wests said in a statement.

“Farah has been a key member of the Wests Tigers playing squad since making his debut in 2003 and has made an invaluable contribution to the Club both on and off the field in that time.

“The decision was not made lightly but ultimately allows the Club a chance to restructure the football team to allow for future success.

“Farah has played 236 games for Wests Tigers since making his debut for the Club in 2003, was a member of the 2005 Premiership winning team and inducted as a Wests Tigers Life Member in 2013.

“The Club intends on treating Farah with the upmost respect during this process and will make no further comment until his playing future is decided.”

It’s been reported Farah would be taking up almost a million dollars in the club’s 2016 salary cap.

News came through that Farah would not be facing the media on Wednesday morning and that coach Jason Taylor would take his place but Farah requested to answer questions.

Amazingly, and potentially a power play to force the legendary rake from the club, the Tigers told Farah he would be playing in the VB NSW Cup in 2016 if he stayed.

“I’ve been told if I say, I will be playing reserve grade,” Farah said at Concord on Wednesday morning.

“Yeah it’s hard to hear, it’s not nice. Whether they mean it or not, I’m not too sure.

“Whether it’s to get me to go, I’m not too, sure, but if I stay I guess we’ll find out.”

Even if they do move Farah on, the club will still be paying the majority of his wages.

A remarkable situation considering the club has continued to pay the wages of former coaches Tim Sheens and Mick Potter after their exits and a number of other players. This all too despite their current financial situation and assistance from the NRL.

There will be interesting scenes this Sunday when the Tigers face the New Zealand Warriors in their final home game of the season at Campbelltown Stadium where the club is already saying goodbye to Keith Galloway, Pat Richards, probably Chris Lawrence and potentially Farah.

Wests currently sit dead last on the NRL table with two matches to play.

@CurtisWoodward1