South Sydney Rabbitohs: Cedars centre Adam Doueihi to make debut in No.7 after Adam Reynolds knee injury
SOUTH Sydney debutant Adam Doueihi made such a name for himself with Lebanon at the World Cup that clubs — including a Japanese rugby franchise — were lining up to sign him.
Rabbitohs
Don't miss out on the headlines from Rabbitohs. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Lebanon’s Adam Doueihi attracts interest from NRL and rugby
- NRL Daily: Morgan could miss Queensland derby
ADAM Doueihi was determined to play in the NRL this season — but even he would have been surprised to get his chance to pull on the South Sydney No.7 so soon.
The 19-year-old Australian rugby schoolboy who is a second cousin of Wallabies coach Michael Cheika will start at halfback against Penrith on Saturday after Adam Reynolds suffered a knee injury.
Coach Anthony Seibold told The Daily Telegraph last night he never planned to introduce Doueihi to the big leagues this early, but was confident he would handle the big occasion, especially after featuring so heavily during the trial games.
The 190cm playmaker also aimed up against some of rugby league’s biggest names while playing for Brad Fittler’s Lebanon at the World Cup late last year.
Without a deal for next year, Doueihi will no doubt attract interest from rival clubs should he impress the next few weeks.
Canterbury, the Roosters and Wests Tigers also showed interest in Doueihi before he signed with Souths, while the Waratahs were also aware of his talents before he chose league.
And a Japanese rugby franchise sounded out Doueihi’s management after his debut for the Cedars.
“He’s coming off a promising World Cup with Lebanon, played in both trial games and trained with the main group for the four weeks while ‘Reyno’ was injured in the pre-season, so he’s had a sound preparation,’’ Seibold said.
“Obviously an NRL game is a big step up from a trial, but we’re really confident what he can bring to the group.
“He gets his chance a bit earlier than we expected, but he’s a confident young kid.
“He’s very skilful, has a sound kicking game, and he’s a really effective runner of the footy as well. He’s a big half, so he’s got that physical presence about him.’’
Doueihi, Greg Inglis and Damien Cook are all goal-kicking options for Reynolds, but Seibold said the debutant was likely to also take on that role.
Reynolds felt pain in his knee in the first half during the shock loss to the New Zealand Warriors on Saturday, but continued to play through the pain.
He battled a foot injury leading into the season opener and went in first-up without a trial.
Seibold said the halfback would be sidelined up for up to four weeks.
Five-eighth Cody Walker said yesterday he was prepared to step up and take the reins, and had faith Doueihi would handle whatever the Panthers threw at him.
“He’s a level-headed kid, nothing fazes him too much, and he’s happy to get the team around as well,’’ Walker said.
Kangaroos flyer Dane Gagai, who played against Doueihi in the World Cup, said of his rookie Rabbits mate: “He’s played against best players rugby league can throw at him, so definitely can handle that side of it.’’
Before he chose league, Doueihi met with Cheika to discuss his options. Cheika is in England this weekend scouting Ireland who head Down Under for a Test series later this year.
The Waratahs would welcome a talent like Doueihi, but are already well stocked at No.10 with Bernard Foley and former Storm player Mack Mason.
Doueihi did not miss a beat as he trained with Souths‘ starting side on a soggy Redfern Oval yesterday.