Doueihi Embraces Halfback Role: A New Era for Wests Tigers
After years of being the ultimate utility player, Adam Doueihi, now 27, is poised to step into a consistent role at the Wests Tigers, ready to take the reins as the club’s first-choice halfback for the first time in his career. This shift marks a significant moment for both the player and the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The Lebanon international is slated to partner with new recruit Jarome Luai in the halves, with Doueihi expected to wear the No. 7 jersey and Luai at five-eighth. Their combination will be tested in Friday’s trial match against the formidable Penrith Panthers at Leichhardt Oval. Luai, who joined the Tigers from the Panthers last year, has spoken openly this off-season about feeling the pressure of being the team’s primary playmaker.
Luai has expressed a sense of relief at being able to play a supporting role, comparing himself to Robin to Doueihi’s Batman. “I’m not sure what Batman’s strengths are but he sounds like a pretty smart, strong dude. I guess I’ll be Batman and he’ll be Robin,” Doueihi quipped. He elaborated on his vision for the partnership, stating his intention to handle the majority of the yardage and kicking strategy, as well as coordinating with the forwards and outside backs. “I want to free up ‘Romey’ and Jahream (Bula) as much as possible and give them quality ball to show their strengths,” he added.
A Player Ready to Dictate Play
Doueihi has always possessed a potent kicking game, but his opportunities to truly showcase his capabilities as an organising playmaker have been limited. Over his six seasons with the Tigers, he has been a jack-of-all-trades, featuring at fullback, lock, centre, five-eighth, and even having brief stints at halfback. However, he has never had the chance to lock down a single position for an entire season.
This lack of positional stability has been a recurring theme throughout his career. “As you grow up and mature and put some games under your belt and grow into an older player now and a leader among the group, I have finally settled on a position that I like,” Doueihi reflected. He feels that the halfback role best utilises his personal strengths and aligns with the team’s desired style of play. “I feel as though the halfback brings out my strengths personally and also suits our style of play.”
The impact of injuries has also played a role in his career trajectory, but his desire to be more involved in directing the game remains strong. “Injuries haven’t helped but I love to get my hands on the ball, dictating play,” he said. The prospect of heading into a season with a clear role provides a welcome mental clarity. “It’s an easier headspace to go into the season to know that as long as I’m playing good footy that’s my position.”
Realistic Expectations for the Tigers
Despite the personal ambition and the new dynamic in the halves, Doueihi remains grounded when it comes to setting expectations for the Wests Tigers, a club that has not featured in the finals since 2011. “At the end of every pre-season, you think they’re going really good, until the games come around,” he admitted.
He acknowledges the optimism that permeates every club during the pre-season but stresses the importance of translating that hard work into tangible results on the field. “All 17 teams think they’ve trained well and this year we’ve stepped up in terms of our fitness levels and nailed down our defensive principles and attacking structure.”
Ultimately, Doueihi is eager to move beyond the talk and let the football do the speaking. “It’s easy to talk. I’m glad the footy is back and we can stop talking.” His focus now shifts to executing his role and contributing to a more competitive Wests Tigers outfit.
