Wests Tigers players would welcome the prospect of lining up against fired up former teammate and skipper Robbie Farah if a mooted 2017 first round NRL encounter with South Sydney eventuates.
Farah's distinguished 14-season senior career at the Tigers finished at the end of the 2016 campaign.
The NSW and Australian representative was picked up by Souths, one of the Tigers traditional Sydney rivals.
It was reported in the Sydney Daily Telegraph on Monday the two clubs could clash in an opening round blockbuster at ANZ Stadium on March 3, though the draw won't be released till later in November.
"It would be a fiery clash," said Tigers' back rower Chris Lawrence, the club's longest serving player following Farah's departure.
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"If that was the case, I think that would be great for the game.
"I'm sure it doesn't matter when we come up against the Rabbitohs, Robbie is going to be fired up and I'm sure he'll be looking to have a good game."
"I've spoken to him and saw him a few times in the off season and had a chat to him since he's been back (at Souths) and they are straight back into it. He's enjoying the new challenge," Lawrence said.
Lawrence played a straight bat when asked if Tigers' coach Jason Taylor was happier Farah was no longer at the club.
"It's day one (of pre-season training), everyone is happy to be getting back into it," he said.
He felt the Tigers would miss Farah's vast experience and highly rated young halves Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses needed to take control of the playmaking duties.
The centre turned back rower, who made his Tigers debut in 2008 and is closing in on 200 games, wants to remain a one-club man.
"I've signed for the next three years and hopefully I can finish my career here but as we all know, three years is a long time in rugby league," he said.
