John Alexander (Bennelong, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yesterday afternoon, Sonia Farah, mother of Wests Tigers captain Robbie Farah, lost her battle with pancreatic cancer at the young age of 63. Robbie is a well-known and much loved local hero of the Bennelong region, and has inspired all around him with his love for and devotion to his mother.

During last year's Four Nations tournament in the UK Robbie first learned of Sonia's condition, and he immediately flew home to be by her side—the same place he was when she passed away. Robbie's team mates observed a very emotional minute's silence prior to yesterday's game. Their great respect for their captain was highlighted by coach Tim Sheens, who said in his postmatch interview:

To talk about the game today seems a waste of time. It's something I'm not particularly interested in. … It's a close club and the team will be there for Rob and his family

Robbie Farah became a hero for all of New South Wales last week when he gave the man of the match performance in State of Origin game 2. After the match he said he had been looking up into the stands for his mother, who had been admitted to hospital earlier that evening. On behalf of the Bennelong community I offer my deepest sympathies to Robbie and the entire Farah family.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On indulgence—as a minister this would not normally be the case with 90 second statements, but as the member for Grayndler, which is home to Leichhardt Oval and the home of the Wests Tigers—I associate the government with the comments of the member for Bennelong and express condolences to Robbie Farah and his family, and indeed all the Wests Tigers, on the loss of Robbie Farah's mum Mrs Sonia Farah.