Robbie Farah wears a black armband in tribute to Footy Show presenter Beau Ryan's grandfather in State of Origin clash

Robbie Farah used the opening game of State of Origin to pay a touching tribute to the family of Footy Show presenter Beau Ryan.

Ryan, who played with Farah at Wests Tigers for five years before eventually moving into television work, posted a message on Instagram saying that a member of his family - believed to be his grandfather - had passed away on Tuesday.

And Farah paid his respects while playing for New South Wales against Queensland on Wednesday night by wearing a black armband.

Scroll down for video 

Footy Show presenter Beau Ryan posted a message on Instagram thanking Robbie Farah for wearing a black armband in honour of his 'Pop' during Wednesday night's State of Origin game

Farah could be seen wearing a black tape armband on his left sleeve during Wednesday night's State of Origin game between New South Wales and Queensland at ANZ Stadium

Robbie Farah runs in to celebrate Boyd Cordner scoring a try for New South Wales against Queensland at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday night in the opening game of this year's State of Origin series

Farah (right) lines up with New South Wales captain Paul Gallen before the opening game of State of Origin on Wednesday night while wearing a black armband in honour of former team-mate Beau Ryan's 'Pop'

Ryan wrote: 'Yesterday we lost our Pop. Robbie Farah is and always will be my brother. Tonight is a big night. He is representing his club, state and family tonight.

'But by wearing the black arm band on his left arm he is honouring my late Pop who loved Robbie. He never missed a game of Robbie's.

'He is representing my family also and that is why we love him. It puts things in perspective. 'Tonight may be a big game but it is that, just a game. Give your loved ones a hug tonight and tell them that you love them.

'I'm sending out nothing but love tonight and remember, family comes first.'

Beau Ryan in Cronulla kit in 2014. He moved to the Sharks after playing for five seasons with Robbie Farah at Wests Tigers and later moved into television as a permanent guest on Channel Nine's Footy Show

Beau Ryan (left) with fellow Footy Show presenters Paul Vautin and Darryl Brohman at the 2015 Logie Awards

Farah and Ryan remain great friends from their playing days at Tigers, even though the former player has used his new position on the Footy Show to play some practical jokes on his old mate.

In one skit Ryan, in his role as DJ Yallah, went to Farah's Leicha Tiger restaurant and trashed the joint by smashing plates of food on the floor and smearing ketchup all over the walls.