This year's State of Origin campaign could be the last for Robbie Farah as the Wests Tigers hooker contemplates finishing his career in England.

Farah is contracted to the joint-venture outfit for 2017 and stands to earn almost $1 million in what is a heavily back-ended deal. The 32-year-old is well within his rights to see out the deal and may still do so. However, it's understood the strain of almost being forced out of the Tigers last year has worn him down and the chance for a fresh start could hold appeal if the price is right.

Farah and Tigers coach Jason Taylor are mature enough to put their differences aside for the good of the team and are working together as professionally as possible. However, there is still lingering tension and Farah could opt to finish up in the Super League if Taylor is likely to be at the helm again next season.

There are plenty of Super League clubs, particularly Leeds, keen on the veteran rake and an Origin series triumph could prompt him to consider those options.

"I want to play on for 25 years, but that won't happen," Farah said recently.

"The body feels fine at the moment. I still feel like playing well, and as long as that's happening, and you've got a love for the game, you'll keep doing that.

"At the moment none of those [retirement] thoughts have come into my mind."

The one thing that could sway Farah to stay is the prospect of pulling on the Blues jersey again next year.

FORAN CHASES DAMAGES

Kieran Foran will be seeking a six-figure sum in his damages claim against the TAB after details of alleged gambling transactions were leaked.

The Parramatta captain has instructed his legal representative to pursue the matter after reports that significant online bets were placed from his account. Should it be proved that the TAB breached client confidentiality, the claim could be as high as $150,000 if aggravated damages can be proved.

Given it was public knowledge that Foran had been spending time in a rehabilitation facility to deal with personal issues, the series of large wagers should have raised red flags with the agency.

It's understood Foran will claim that the leaking of sensitive gambling information exacerbated his condition, which could lead to a larger payout. Foran's lawyer has issued the TAB with a concerns notice, with the agency now expected to respond with its version of events.

The incident is the latest in a series of setbacks for the Kiwi international, who suffered a shoulder injury in the loss to Melbourne.

Foran is expected to be fit for Monday's clash with Newcastle.

SOPOAGA SWITCHES

Tupou Sopoaga is the latest NRL player set to make the switch to rugby.

The Penrith forward is deep in negotiations to join the Waratahs next season, just a year after Reece Robinson made the switch from Parramatta. The Tahs view Sopoago, who has made 21 NRL appearances for the Sharks and Panthers, as an ideal No.12.

Sopoago is no stranger to the 15-man game, having represented New Zealand Schoolboys before turning to rugby league and then going on to represent the Cook Islands three times.

There is also a rich family history in rugby union. The 23-year-old is the younger brother of All Black Lima Sopoaga, who helped the Highlanders claim their maiden Super Rugby title last year. The brothers could well come up against each other next year.

STORM PASSES

As we revealed last week, Cameron Smith and the Nine Network ended an almost year-long feud when the Australian captain accepted an invitation to appear on The Footy Show on Wednesday night.

Host Paul Vautin apologised on Nine's behalf for their handling of a 60 Minutes feature on Alex McKinnon that painted Smith in an unfavourable light.

We hear negotiations to bury the hatchet were delicate and protracted, with Smith deeply hurt about the way he was portrayed. But it's a measure of the man that, having made peace with McKinnon, he and Nine were able to put the past behind them.

MANLY EASES

We're hearing Manly's interest in Canterbury forward Tony Williams has cooled, which could result in T-Rex seeing out his time at Belmore. The Sea Eagles were interested in bolstering their pack and had entertained the idea of bringing him back to Brookvale. The former NSW and Australian forward is in the final year of a lucrative deal at the Bulldogs, but has been dropped to reserve grade after a string of uninspiring performances.

GUEST SPOT

Cameo: Matt Bowen Photo: Anthony Johnson

It is a cameo or a comeback? Matt Bowen could make a shock appearance for the Townsville Blackhawks in Sunday's Queensland Cup clash with Easts Tigers. The former Cowboys fullback returned to top-flight footy in the Auckland Nines and has been training with the Blackhawks recently.

At the age of 34, Bowen still has some of that old magic left in him and there's a big chance he will lob in his gear at Langlands Park.

PEACHEY KEEN

Another ageless fullback, David Peachey, is also still playing footy well after his NRL retirement. Now 42, "Peach" is holding his own for the Peak Hill Roosters out near his home town of Dubbo.

"I'm still playing," Peachey said. "I haven't crossed the line yet, but I've only played a couple of games. Me being 42 and most of those kids being in their early 20s, it definitely makes you feel a lot older."

WALKER TO WALK

It looks increasingly likely that Cody Walker will leave Souths at the end of the year to join Brisbane. The Broncos view Walker as a bench utility and their three-year deal is more attractive than the two-season offer to remain at Redfern.

Walker flew up to Red Hill last week to inspect the facilities and is leaning towards a shift north, particularly given the uncertainty over his place in the Rabbitohs team. It means the Bunnies are almost certain to lose two five-eighths, with Luke Keary also set to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.

It could also result in Brisbane's Kodi Nikorima moving on. The Storm is one of several clubs interested.

NORMAN WORRY

Parramatta had been concerned about Corey Norman's off-field behaviour well before he was charged with drugs possession at The Star.

The off-contract pivot is one of the most gifted footballers in the competition, but there have been concerns about his application for some time. The Eels were working hard with Norman on the issue, but it appears there is still some way to go.

WEIGHT LIFTING

NSWRL employees have lost plenty of weight in recent times after a State of Origin makeover of the elevators at Rugby League Central. There are two lifts at NRL headquarters: one has been re-skinned in Blues colours, the other in Maroon.

The Blues hierarchy have made a pact never to enter the Maroon lift, meaning they are often walking up and down the stairs. We're hearing some staffers have dropped plenty of kilograms as a result.

GOLDEN DAYS

Mario Fenech and George Piggins formed perhaps one of the game's toughest captain-coach combinations. Now the former Rabbitohs rakes will reminisce about their time together at the Pride of the League.

The Souths Players Association, also known as the R-Ageing Rabbits, is holding a roast for the pair at Maroubra South Surf Life Saving Club on July 15. All profits raised from the lunch go towards supporting past Souths players. Call Desley on 0414 525 399 for more details.