He was gone, then he was staying, then he was gone again.
It was one of the most drawn out public battles in recent rugby league history, but Robbie Farah says he is enjoying life at Wests Tigers again.
Six months have past since Farah was sensationally told he was free to leave the club, and at different stages over the summer, the NSW State of Origin star almost did.
After he gave up the captaincy in October, he was then linked with a number of clubs, from Newcastle, to the Sydney Roosters, to St George-Illawarra.
However Farah not only wore his beloved No.9 jumper in last weekend's low-key trial against Melbourne on the Sunshine Coast, but he also led the team down the tunnel and was present at the coin toss.
"At times last year, I wasn't too sure whether I would have the opportunity to play in that jumper again," Farah said on Tuesday.
"It was nice to pull that jersey on again last week, to have the chance to skipper the side. But (Aaron) Woodsy's back this week, so he can have it."
The 32-year-old said the dramas of the last few months, as well as relinquishing his top-dog status, has re-invigorated his career, helped hone his individual game, and given him a fresh outlook on the upcoming season.
"I'm just enjoying it a lot more," he said.
"To be honest, the last couple of years has been tough, considering different things that have gone on here at the club. Being the captain, I've been the forefront of those things.
"Now I've stepped aside from the captaincy and it allowed me to relax, come to training and enjoy it.
"I go home and I'm able to switch off. I'm just trying to enjoy my footy again. It's been a pretty good pre-season. Now I'm looking forward to playing some footy."
While questions remain on whether he can co-exist with coach Jason Taylor, Farah said the only way to end the speculation was to produce on the football field, something the Tigers rarely did last year.
Asked whether he could work together with Taylor, he said: "No matter what I say, I don't think it's going to stop the questions.
"For us, we've gone on with it. It's showed in the way we've prepared this year.
"Hopefully the proof will be in the pudding and we get out there and win some games.
"That's the only way we're going to silence all you people and all the questions - by going out and winning footy games."
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