Adam Doueihi puts future decision on hold to focus on Wests Tigers return

Adam Doueihi has spoken of his love for the Wests Tigers and is keen to prove his worth again before making a decision on his next contract.

The 23-year-old was in outstanding form for the Tigers last season before suffering an ACL in August. It has been a long road back to fitness but he returns to the fold on Sunday.

Doueihi has been named on the interchange for the clash against the Bulldogs at CommBank Stadium. He is delighted to be back and is keen to help the Tigers start climbing the ladder.

There was talk at one stage of the playmaker missing 2022 entirely to make sure he made a full recovery. But such is the player’s commitment to the cause, that was never going to happen.

Doueihi was keen to get out there and play his role. The Tigers sit 13th on the ladder with just four wins which has seen Michael Maguire leave the club. And he is keen to make his mark.

“It was obviously a conversation and people have mentioned it, but I definitely didn’t want to take the whole season off,” Doueihi told the Daily Telegraph. “It wasn’t right for me nor the club. I’m here to play footy and do my job and I’m sick of training. I’m not a good observer of footy and I’m really glad to be back.

“I’ve been cleared by all the medical people, but myself, Tim, Noddy, even Madge when he was here, we sat down and thought we’re better off taking a few extra weeks.”

Adam Doueihi has contract decision to make

Doueihi could also have a big decision to make at the end of the year. He is under contract with the Tigers until the end of 2023. But of course he will be able to accept a deal for 2024 from 1st November this year.

It remains to be seen if the Tigers will offer him an extension. Or whether rival clubs will also come in. However Doueihi says that is not the focus right now. He is keen to get back playing and his love for the Tigers is pretty obvious.

“I haven’t looked into it,” Doueihi added when asked about his future. “There is no real rush. I want to show the club that I can play good footy. It’s in the back of my mind. Maybe closer towards the end of the year it’s something I will think about.

“You never tap out on your teammates or throw the white flag. I love the club. When I first signed here I said I wanted to bring success and we haven’t done it yet. I’m happy here and I want to bring some success.”