Farah, Mbye named for Sharks showdown

Robbie Farah has been named in the Wests Tigers' 21-man squad and will be given every chance to play in this Sunday’s do-or-die clash against Cronulla.

The news is a double boost for the Tigers' finals hopes, with skipper Moses Mbye also in line to make a return from a hip injury.

Both Farah and Mbye underwent fitness tests on Monday, with Farah running outdoors for the first time since he broke his leg against the Bulldogs just 24 days ago. Both were included on the Tigers' extended bench.

The retiring hooker pulled up better than the club expected and declared himself a chance of playing at Leichhardt Oval for the must-win game against Cronulla that will decide the final top eight spot.

The club met with the veteran dummy half on Tuesday morning and decided there was enough hope not to rule him out of the squad.

Farah remains at long odds to recover in time, however, if he is on Josh Reynolds could make way in the 17-man team.

Mbye has been receiving plasma injections to help fast-track his recovery from the injury he suffered against his old club last month. 

However, Mbye is no certainty to play and will have to prove himself over the next few days to be included in the run-on side.

It's understood coach Michael Maguire is reluctant to dump the in-form Paul Momirovski.

That leaves Esan Marsters facing the prospect of being dropped for the crucial match.

Marsters' long term future at the joint venture remains uncertain after recently being granted permission by the club to test his value at other clubs.

NRL.com understands Marsters’ management approached the Tigers for an upgrade given his breakout season last year, however, the Tigers are reluctant to upgrade and extend him and in turn allowed the centre the opportunity to see what he could attract on the open market.

In other round 25 team changes, Roosters stars Cooper Cronk and Boyd Cordner have been named to return; Canberra will rest Jordan Rapana, John Bateman, Sia Soliola and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad; Melbourne will be without the injured Cameron Munster as well as Josh Addo-Carr and Brandon Smith; and Brendan Elliot will start at fullback for Manly in the absence of Tom Trbojevic (torn pectoral).