The Wests Tigers saga surrounding Adam Doueihi has taken another dramatic twist, with fresh reports revealing the star playmaker’s decision to stand down was about far more than a positional switch. New details suggest Doueihi felt he had become the club’s “fall guy” after a series of difficult decisions, prompting him to make a stand.
Initial reports claimed Doueihi’s frustration centred on Benji Marshall’s decision to play rookie Javon Andrews at halfback while shifting him to lock. However, the Sydney Morning Herald has reported the issue ran much deeper, with Doueihi believing he was unfairly carrying the blame for the Tigers’ struggles despite being one of their standout performers this season.
Doueihi Refused to Be the “Fall Guy”
According to the report, Doueihi met with Tigers chief executive Shaun Mielekamp after learning Andrews would remain in the No.7 jersey despite Doueihi successfully overturning his judiciary charge earlier in the week.
Rather than simply objecting to a positional change, Doueihi reportedly explained he no longer wanted to be made the “fall guy” for the club’s wider problems and felt undervalued despite his performances.
The Tigers subsequently agreed to Doueihi’s request for time away from the club, ruling him out of Saturday’s clash against the Canberra Raiders.
Benji Marshall Faces Growing Pressure
The controversy has intensified scrutiny on Marshall, with reports suggesting other players have also voiced concerns internally following the latest selection decisions.
While there is no confirmed major rift between Marshall and Doueihi, the situation has added to a difficult week for the coach as the Tigers attempt to arrest a five-game losing streak and keep their fading finals hopes alive.
Doueihi Wants to Stay
Despite speculation the dispute could lead to an early release, reports indicate Doueihi has no intention of leaving Concord.
The Lebanese international only signed a contract extension until the end of the 2029 season earlier this year and is reportedly committed to seeing out that deal.
Instead, the expectation is that Doueihi, Marshall and Mielekamp will meet over the weekend in an attempt to resolve the situation before next week’s match.
Tigers Desperate to End the Drama
The latest controversy comes during another turbulent period for the Wests Tigers.
Jarome Luai is set to depart at the end of next season, Latu Fainu is suspended, and the club has now been forced to deal with another off-field distraction just as it attempts to stay in touch with the top eight.
How quickly Marshall and Doueihi repair their relationship may prove just as important as anything that happens on the field over the remainder of the season
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