Tom Shines
Well-known member
James Graham
OFFICIAL Adam Doueihi #227
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James Graham
GNR4LIFE
Well-known member
I don’t see how any journo can paint a player walking out of training and ruling himself out for being told he’s playing in another position, in a positive light.
Halbrowne61
Well-known member
Ok RHS so why lock and not centre ?
Maybe it was the lock thing he thought he couldn’t handle.
I’m just saying, we’ve sold Luai but he still gets picked over Adam, that’s the part that I don’t get.
IMO Douehi is not a lock, and never will be, he knows that. Now I agree he’s handled it very poorly but surely there was a compromise somewhere, especially
given our current situation.
Like last week, don’t tell me Twals anger was just about Salmon, I think the slap was for all his half hearted teammates as well.
StarswithStripes
Well-known member
Will be interested to see if AD gets back in the team for next week. No one walks away from first grade selection by choice. It’s a privilege. Depends on how things go with this week’s halves combination I guess.
Leck
Well-known member
Get ready for a rebuild. Too many big egos that aren't performing.
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Halbrowne61
Well-known member
Exactly, so he must have been REALLY angry or betrayed or something ? He’s been loyal to the max so why this all
of a sudden.
TigerNeddyK
Well-known member
Agreed .. to me this was like a cancer under the surface just festering away .. an ego that realises he has leverage because of individual form despite a lot of good juges being very certain that ar stifled the attack and his strengths are not suited to improving the players around him. It’s awkward because he is very talented but makes the team all about him and the results do not come with it .. it’s a team sport and the old saying a champion team will always beat a team of champions .. imagine if AD worked on his defence and became a Jason smith or Nim Dymock or Scott Hill or even Gavin Miller type player .. I hope he can work it out and continue but you can just tell that Benji cannot afford to pander to a player on a team situation like this. Everyone trying to dictate what position they will play and trying to appease everyone you end up like the Souths coach Demetriou applying standards to some players and not to others and it always blows up on the coach .. always .. I’m really glad Benji had boghtbit to a head now.. I saw Douheis demeanour against the warriors and all the selfish play traits were back with a vengeance.. can he become a team player is the biq question we are left with
Pubehead Weedlet no doubt
Strider
Well-known member
Forget about Luai in this conversation, to me, its not relevant.
I loved Adam at times and I am really dissapointed in him. Feels like a big let down. I thought we would have good halves coming through and he will likely need to play another position. I thought we all expected this will happen.
If he will only play hallfback, I don't see a future in him at the club and he must have played his last game. Reminds me of Nofo a bit.
I loved Adam at times and I am really dissapointed in him. Feels like a big let down. I thought we would have good halves coming through and he will likely need to play another position. I thought we all expected this will happen.
If he will only play hallfback, I don't see a future in him at the club and he must have played his last game. Reminds me of Nofo a bit.
magpies forever
Well-known member
Only a suggestion but maybe Benji wanted to free Twal up for prop rotation- another area we are weak in as well as centre.
Halbrowne61
Well-known member
And one final comment, who’s his manager now ? Our old friend Isaac Moses !!!
Maybe Perth is looking good for probably double the money ?
Maybe Perth is looking good for probably double the money ?
tig_prmz
Well-known member
It will turn eventually.
There will be a "all you need to know article.."
My money is on Weidler
Tired Tiger
Well-known member
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SportNRLNRL 2026
Adam Doueihi rules himself out of Tigers match after bust-up with Benji
Christian Nicolussi
July 23, 2026 — 3:30pm
A
A
A
Adam Doueihi has opted not to play for Wests Tigers on Saturday after being told he would be shifted from the halves to accommodate rookie playmaker Javon Andrews.
Doueihi was informed by coach Benji Marshall on Thursday he would be starting at lock rather than halfback against Canberra.
Adam Doueihi arrives at the NRL judiciary. on Tuesday nightJanie Barrett/SMH
The 27-year-old was initially named on an extended bench because he was due to front the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night to fight a careless high tackle charge.
After Doueihi succeeded in having the charge downgraded, freeing him to play against the Raiders, Marshall told him he was handing 19-year-old Andrews his maiden start.
Doueihi was unimpressed and made his feelings known to Marshall. The club agreed to give him time off until Monday. At this stage, it is unlikely he will seek a release from his contract, which runs until the end of 2029.
Tigers CEO Shaun Mielekemp told this masthead: “Adam won’t be playing this weekend.
Adam Doueihi won’t play for the Tigers this weekend.Getty Images
“Adam and Benji met this morning to discuss a plan for the weekend. Benji made a call on what’s best for the team but as a result Adam has asked for some time off, and we agree to that.”
The Tigers have scored just 22 points the past four games, and there was a belief the best way to finally unlock the attack in a must-win game was playing Doueihi at lock, where he could threaten with his kicking and running game.
Jarome Luai is always a threat in the halves, while Andrews plays without a care in the world and is not afraid to try for the big play.
The big question over the coming days will be whether Doueihi deserves to come straight back into the side next week. Doueihi has been one of the standouts for the Tigers this year after Marshall made the decision over the summer to use him as his first-choice halfback, but his decision to withdraw his services this weekend leaves his future uncertain.
Rookie half Javon Andrews is set to make his Tigers debut.Getty
Doueihi was seen deep in conversation at one end of Concord Oval with football manager Pat Richards early on Thursday.
Doueihi and Richards were contacted for comment, but did not immediately respond.
When asked how he would incorporate Andrews into the game, Marshall said on Thursday: “We’ve got plans, we’ll just keep them to ourselves.
“He’s been doing some good stuff at [NSW] Cup level, we like the way he plays, and he’s hopeful to get an opportunity at some stage.
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“There’s no pressure on him to do anything. We want him, when he gets his opportunity, to just play. That’s the best thing. Expectation wise, we don’t have any; just do your job.”
The Tigers remain a mathematical chance to make the finals, largely because of their blazing start to the season. But a loss in the nation’s capital will officially end their September hopes, making it a 15th straight year without finals football.
Doueihi was relieved to have the careless high tackle reduced to a grade-one offence, which meant a $1000 fine rather than a suspension, and said: “I love being out there with the boys and trying to help turn our season around again – I’ve got the opportunity to go to Canberra, they’re coming off the back of a few wins, and we’ll go there with an ambush mentality.”
It has been a tough few weeks for the Tigers, with news Luai would be heading for the exit to link with Parramatta at the end of the season, despite having a season to run before his highly-publicised move to the PNG Chiefs in 2028, while they had two played binned during a feisty 32-0 loss to the Dogs – and former Tiger Lachie Galvin – last Saturday.
Dangerous tackle that earned Fainu three-game ban was his third in two years
The Latu Fainu tackle that NRL lawyers said could have resulted in Leo Thompson “breaking his neck” was the third time in the last two seasons the Wests Tigers playmaker had placed a rival player in a dangerous position.
Latu Fainu’s tackle on Leo Thompson.NRL
Fainu was handed a three-match ban after being found guilty of dangerous contact at the judiciary on Tuesday night after going low on Thompson and flipping the Canterbury prop upside down and into a vulnerable position.
While some commentators questioned what Fainu had done wrong, Tigers coach Benji Marshall conceded on Thursday the club would need to work on the halfback’s tackling technique, with his ban now paving the way for rookie Javon Andrews to make his debut on Saturday in what is sure to be a spicy contest against Canberra.
Though Fainu received public support for his tackle, the 21-year-old was penalised for an identical tackle on New Zealand Warriors prop Mitch Barnett in round four last year. The tackle, which was penalised at the time, led to a melee and Fainu was later sent a concerning act notice by the NRL.
Then, against Canberra in round 26 last season, Fainu went low again and left Raiders centre Simi Sasagi clutching at his knee. Sisagi got up and Fainu was not penalised, but he was handed a second concerning act notice.
The referee could be overheard telling angry Raiders players the tackle was not a “cannonball”.
Andrew Johns said on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show about Fainu’s tackle on Thompson: “He’s done nothing wrong, he’s tackled low. You can’t take accidents out of the game ... it’s not even a penalty.”
“You can’t tackle high because you’ll chin them … and you can’t go low? Where are you supposed to hit them?”
Eels legend Nathan Hindmarsh was more to the point when he said on Sunday night with Matty Johns: “That’s bulls–t. That’s a joke.”
Judiciary panel members Tony Puletua and Paul Simpkins were satisfied Fainu’s tackle was dangerous and careless, and that he “had every opportunity to attempt a conventional tackle, but chose not to do so; the result was to place player Thompson at a serious risk of injury”.
The vacancy opened up by Fainu’s suspension means Andrews, 19, is expected to be given his NRL debut after some impressive performances in NSW Cup.
Tom Starling and Sunia Turuva clashed after full-time the last time Wests Tigers and Canberra played.NRL
The last time the Tigers and Canberra met, Tigers fans mocked the Viking clap and started an unsavoury “f--- Canberra” chant, while Sunia Turuva and Tom Starling had to be separated after full-time, with the drama captured on TV footage.
It was reported at the time a sledge of “snitch” had sparked the melee, apparently in reference to Starling’s long-running court battle with police after an incident on the Central Coast.
Starling was charged with assaulting police at the end of 2020 but had the charges dropped, with two police officers now charged with assaulting Starling. The pair pleaded not guilty and the matter is before the courts.
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Tigers prop Fonua Pole was expecting a frosty reception on and off the field at GIO Stadium, and remembered the fulltime drama last time.
“But I don’t see any of that stuff as negative, it’s part of the game, you show passion, you go on to the field to win, the guys on the other team are your opponents while you’re on the field, but as soon as you step off the field, everyone has respect for each other,” Pole said.
“[As for the Canberra crowd], that’s how the game goes, and if you give it, you have to take it. Hopefully, we’re not on the other side of that. If we’re winning and playing well, they won’t come out with that.”
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Christian Nicolussi covers rugby league for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.
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SportNRLNRL 2026
Adam Doueihi rules himself out of Tigers match after bust-up with Benji
Christian Nicolussi
July 23, 2026 — 3:30pm
A
A
A
Adam Doueihi has opted not to play for Wests Tigers on Saturday after being told he would be shifted from the halves to accommodate rookie playmaker Javon Andrews.
Doueihi was informed by coach Benji Marshall on Thursday he would be starting at lock rather than halfback against Canberra.
Adam Doueihi arrives at the NRL judiciary. on Tuesday nightJanie Barrett/SMH
The 27-year-old was initially named on an extended bench because he was due to front the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night to fight a careless high tackle charge.
After Doueihi succeeded in having the charge downgraded, freeing him to play against the Raiders, Marshall told him he was handing 19-year-old Andrews his maiden start.
Doueihi was unimpressed and made his feelings known to Marshall. The club agreed to give him time off until Monday. At this stage, it is unlikely he will seek a release from his contract, which runs until the end of 2029.
Tigers CEO Shaun Mielekemp told this masthead: “Adam won’t be playing this weekend.
Adam Doueihi won’t play for the Tigers this weekend.Getty Images
“Adam and Benji met this morning to discuss a plan for the weekend. Benji made a call on what’s best for the team but as a result Adam has asked for some time off, and we agree to that.”
The Tigers have scored just 22 points the past four games, and there was a belief the best way to finally unlock the attack in a must-win game was playing Doueihi at lock, where he could threaten with his kicking and running game.
Jarome Luai is always a threat in the halves, while Andrews plays without a care in the world and is not afraid to try for the big play.
The big question over the coming days will be whether Doueihi deserves to come straight back into the side next week. Doueihi has been one of the standouts for the Tigers this year after Marshall made the decision over the summer to use him as his first-choice halfback, but his decision to withdraw his services this weekend leaves his future uncertain.
Rookie half Javon Andrews is set to make his Tigers debut.Getty
Doueihi was seen deep in conversation at one end of Concord Oval with football manager Pat Richards early on Thursday.
Doueihi and Richards were contacted for comment, but did not immediately respond.
When asked how he would incorporate Andrews into the game, Marshall said on Thursday: “We’ve got plans, we’ll just keep them to ourselves.
“He’s been doing some good stuff at [NSW] Cup level, we like the way he plays, and he’s hopeful to get an opportunity at some stage.
Related Article
NRL 2026
Twal snubs Bulldogs rival in heated post-match clash as Tigers face fresh judiciary woes
“There’s no pressure on him to do anything. We want him, when he gets his opportunity, to just play. That’s the best thing. Expectation wise, we don’t have any; just do your job.”
The Tigers remain a mathematical chance to make the finals, largely because of their blazing start to the season. But a loss in the nation’s capital will officially end their September hopes, making it a 15th straight year without finals football.
Doueihi was relieved to have the careless high tackle reduced to a grade-one offence, which meant a $1000 fine rather than a suspension, and said: “I love being out there with the boys and trying to help turn our season around again – I’ve got the opportunity to go to Canberra, they’re coming off the back of a few wins, and we’ll go there with an ambush mentality.”
It has been a tough few weeks for the Tigers, with news Luai would be heading for the exit to link with Parramatta at the end of the season, despite having a season to run before his highly-publicised move to the PNG Chiefs in 2028, while they had two played binned during a feisty 32-0 loss to the Dogs – and former Tiger Lachie Galvin – last Saturday.
Dangerous tackle that earned Fainu three-game ban was his third in two years
The Latu Fainu tackle that NRL lawyers said could have resulted in Leo Thompson “breaking his neck” was the third time in the last two seasons the Wests Tigers playmaker had placed a rival player in a dangerous position.
Latu Fainu’s tackle on Leo Thompson.NRL
Fainu was handed a three-match ban after being found guilty of dangerous contact at the judiciary on Tuesday night after going low on Thompson and flipping the Canterbury prop upside down and into a vulnerable position.
While some commentators questioned what Fainu had done wrong, Tigers coach Benji Marshall conceded on Thursday the club would need to work on the halfback’s tackling technique, with his ban now paving the way for rookie Javon Andrews to make his debut on Saturday in what is sure to be a spicy contest against Canberra.
Though Fainu received public support for his tackle, the 21-year-old was penalised for an identical tackle on New Zealand Warriors prop Mitch Barnett in round four last year. The tackle, which was penalised at the time, led to a melee and Fainu was later sent a concerning act notice by the NRL.
Then, against Canberra in round 26 last season, Fainu went low again and left Raiders centre Simi Sasagi clutching at his knee. Sisagi got up and Fainu was not penalised, but he was handed a second concerning act notice.
The referee could be overheard telling angry Raiders players the tackle was not a “cannonball”.
Andrew Johns said on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show about Fainu’s tackle on Thompson: “He’s done nothing wrong, he’s tackled low. You can’t take accidents out of the game ... it’s not even a penalty.”
“You can’t tackle high because you’ll chin them … and you can’t go low? Where are you supposed to hit them?”
Eels legend Nathan Hindmarsh was more to the point when he said on Sunday night with Matty Johns: “That’s bulls–t. That’s a joke.”
Judiciary panel members Tony Puletua and Paul Simpkins were satisfied Fainu’s tackle was dangerous and careless, and that he “had every opportunity to attempt a conventional tackle, but chose not to do so; the result was to place player Thompson at a serious risk of injury”.
The vacancy opened up by Fainu’s suspension means Andrews, 19, is expected to be given his NRL debut after some impressive performances in NSW Cup.
Tom Starling and Sunia Turuva clashed after full-time the last time Wests Tigers and Canberra played.NRL
The last time the Tigers and Canberra met, Tigers fans mocked the Viking clap and started an unsavoury “f--- Canberra” chant, while Sunia Turuva and Tom Starling had to be separated after full-time, with the drama captured on TV footage.
It was reported at the time a sledge of “snitch” had sparked the melee, apparently in reference to Starling’s long-running court battle with police after an incident on the Central Coast.
Starling was charged with assaulting police at the end of 2020 but had the charges dropped, with two police officers now charged with assaulting Starling. The pair pleaded not guilty and the matter is before the courts.
Related Article
UpdatedNRL 2026
‘Terrible idea’: Bennett slams talk of injury clauses in Latrell contract
Tigers prop Fonua Pole was expecting a frosty reception on and off the field at GIO Stadium, and remembered the fulltime drama last time.
“But I don’t see any of that stuff as negative, it’s part of the game, you show passion, you go on to the field to win, the guys on the other team are your opponents while you’re on the field, but as soon as you step off the field, everyone has respect for each other,” Pole said.
“[As for the Canberra crowd], that’s how the game goes, and if you give it, you have to take it. Hopefully, we’re not on the other side of that. If we’re winning and playing well, they won’t come out with that.”
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
License this article
More:
NRL 2026
Wests Tigers
Canberra Raiders
Christian Nicolussi covers rugby league for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.
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HUNT 101
Well-known member
He has definitely dogged his coach,club and team mates,but maybe it's because 1, he's made of glass and knows it's and 2 ,Jerome is leaving and playing very average football, why me....
Tom Shines
Well-known member
Don’t stop now mate ..🍿
mtd#2
Well-known member
Its a team sport.
It shouldnt matter if he was told 2 weeks in advance or 5 mins before kick off.
For all that Galvin did, he never let his team mates down and refused to play.
Halbrowne61
Well-known member
Well it depends if you look at last 4 games or first 4 games.
Halbrowne61
Well-known member
I’ve said far too much already mate, I’ve finally got the blood pressure under control.
Why can’t this club bond !!!
Aarrrggghh !
king_sirro
Well-known member
One will
user118245
Well-known member
JAVON ANDREWS IS THE TRUTH. He is the future and Adam knows it, writings on the wall now he’s got his debut, future is now
