Rugby League World Cup: Lebanon’s Adam Doueihi attracts interest from NRL and rugby
WALLABIES coach Michael Cheika tried to sway hime to rugby but Adam Doueihi’s heart lay in league. Now, after a great RLWC Lebanon debut, the Rabbitohs rookie is being chased by several NRL clubs.
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SEVERAL NRL clubs began sounding out the availability of Adam Doueihi just hours after his World Cup debut for Lebanon.
The 19-year-old Australian rugby schoolboy is signed with South Sydney until the end of next season but became a free agent on Wednesday.
And should the 190cm playmaker impress in the Cup against England, and possibly Australia the following week, he is sure to have clubs from both codes circling.
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The Sydney Roosters, Canterbury, his junior club Wests Tigers and the Waratahs all tried to sign Doueihi last year before he joined Souths on a two-year deal.
His goal next year is to play in the NRL and Souths might be thinking of granting him his wish after playing him in the NSW Cup towards the end of the season.
There is also the fact that current No.6 Cody Walker has indicated he won’t be taking up an option in his favour for 2019.
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“I signed with Souths because they were limited for halves at the time and ‘Madge’ (former coach Michael Maguire) seemed to be a big fan of me when I signed,’’ Doueihi said.
“I love league, my parents and cousins all support league, and I thought the opportunity was best for me at the time.
“The ultimate goal next year is to play NRL. I’d be ready.
“Down the track I’d be happy to go back and play rugby, but I’m focused on league for the time being and ripping in for Souths next year.
“Hopefully I can now put my best foot forward against England and I’m lucky enough to play against the Aussies.’’
Doueihi was 18th man for Sunday’s clash against France but was given the call-up after Chris Saab was knocked out during the warm-up.
He scored a try in the second half and has been named in the centres for Saturday’s clash against England at Allianz Stadium.
He is loving the chance to learn from coach and former gun playmaker Brad Fittler, as well as Lebanon’s baby-faced No.6 Mitchell Moses.
A second cousin of Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, Doueihi and his father Paul went to Cheika’s house for breakfast to discuss his options, only for Doueihi to pick the 13-man code.
At least one agent involved with Japanese rugby also contacted Doueihi’s manager Sam Ayoub after his debut for the Cedars.
Souths struck gold when they recruited another schoolboy rugby star, Angus Crichton, and general manager of football Shane Richardson said Doueihi had already impressed.
“He’s very skilful, athletic, has great hands and an outstanding kicking game,’’ Richardson said.
“He’ll play in the NRL, I’ve got no doubts about that. It’s just a matter of when.
“He’s only 19 but I know ‘Seebs’ (coach Anthony Seibold) rates him highly.’’
Cheika said this week about Doueihi: “It’s the theme of the common battle we’re having. Our top players in rugby schools are going to play league, whether it be the career option or the financial piece.
“But I’m really pleased for him because he’s a good young player.’’