Frustrated Wests Tigers hooker Robbie Farah will give himself a couple of weeks rest but has not ruled out surgery on the protruding discs in his back.

Farah is suffering from protruding L5 and S1 discs in his lower back which is not providing him with any pain but weakening the power in his left leg.

The Tigers chief playmaker has ruled himself out of the next two games and is hopeful the period on the sidelines and consistent rehabilitation will allow him to return to the NRL without resorting to surgery.

"The best option for me at the moment is to have a couple weeks rest," he said.

"Although I obviously feel like I can play I risk doing further damage ... at this stage we decided to take a week or two off and make sure I'm fully fit.

"I have spoken about it with the doctor and surgery is the last option that we can take.

"I'm not looking to do that in the near future."

Farah was put through a tough training session at Concord Oval Thursday but did not pull up well and visited a specialist for the first time in the afternoon.

The 24-year-old confirmed he had spoken to Roosters fullback Anthony Minichiello about how he battled, and continues to struggle with, a similar back injury.

Farah said Minichiello's experience, playing less than 20 NRL games in two seasons with two bouts of surgery, has taught him not to play with any weakness in his back.

"It is pretty concerning to see what he has gone through," said Farah.

"That's why I'm trying to look after it at this point in my career. I don't want it to get to that stage."

Farah had been named at halfback for the Raiders clash on Sunday but his spot is most likely to be taken by former Dragon Mathew Head, who would make his debut for the club.

Coach Tim Sheens will wait until Saturday before finalising his squad.

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