Robbie Farah's "fight" to keep his hooking spot at Wests Tigers begins on Monday when the NRL club commences pre-season training.
However embattled Tigers coach Jason Taylor continues to give no assurances NSW hooker Farah will play first grade in 2016.
Taylor insists the Tigers remain comfortable with their move to attempt to oust the club skipper from Concord ahead of next year, despite him being contracted for two more seasons.
Farah, 31, has dug in over the matter despite being told he he will play reserve grade if he stays.
The Tigers said always said they will honour' Farah's contract if he stays and he will be there when the Tigers start their 2016 premiership campaign, despite the differences between him and Taylor.
"We are really comfortable, it is probably too early to talk about round one but we are comfortable Robbie will be with us for pre-season training on Monday," Taylor told Triple M.
"It will be business as usual for us."
"Robbie has said he is going to stay and fight for his position and that is what we want."
Farah is likely to have to battle with Matt Ballin for the No.9 spot at Concord with the Sea Eagles rake reportedly signing a two-year deal with the Tigers.
The Manly stalwart has been strongly linked to a move to the Tigers after being told he was unwanted by new Sea Eagles coach Trent Barrett.
Taylor declined to confirm that Ballin had signed with the club but said he was happy with the squad he would have under him for next season.
"We have had to work on our depth and we have done that and we are looking forward to getting started on Monday," Taylor said.
In another curious retention decision the Tigers released New Zealand international Marty Taupau to Manly on Friday, despite him having a year left on his contract.
"Marty was contracted with us for next year, but he said he was not going to stay beyond that so there was on point in keeping him for next season," Taylor said.
"It allows us to free up money and to better plan for the future of this club."
