Wests Tigers stars back Adam Doueihi to shine at five-eighth

Adam Doueihi is inexperienced at five-eighth at the NRL level, but his Wests Tigers teammates believe he is the man to ignite the Tigers’ attack.

Adam Doueihi is considered a novice five-eighth at NRL level, but his Wests Tigers teammates believe he is the man to ignite the Tigers’ attack and help the club make the finals following a nine-year absence. Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images.

Adam Doueihi is considered a novice five-eighth at NRL level, but his Wests Tigers teammates believe he is the man to ignite the Tigers’ attack and help the club make the finals following a nine-year absence.

Tigers stars have backed Adam Doueihi’s shift from fullback to five-eighth despite his lack of NRL experience in the No.6 jumper.

After missing the opening round loss to Canberra due to a shoulder charge suspension, Doueihi will play his first game of 2021 against the Sydney Roosters at Campbelltown Stadium on Sunday.

The former South Sydney outside back excelled at fullback in his maiden season at the Tigers last year, but coach Michael Maguire has moved him to five-eighth in a bid to spark the team’s attack.

Adam Doueihi is inexperienced at five-eighth at the NRL level, but his Wests Tigers teammates believe he is the man to ignite the Tigers’ attack. Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images.

Doueihi has only played brief stints in the halves at the NRL level, but Tigers halfback Luke Brooks believes the Strathfield junior is ready to make the No.6 his own in his first career start in the position.

“He grew up playing five-eighth, so it is something that he is used to,” Brooks said about Doueihi taking on the six jumper full-time this season.

“I think that is his natural position and he is a big body in defence, so that is something that he won’t struggle with.

“It is a big boost having Adam back.

“It will be good because that is how we trained all pre-season and he just adds that extra spark to our attack.

“He is a great ball player, and he will help us with our football.”

Tigers winger David Nofoaluma has seen Doueihi excel at five-eighth in pre-season training, so he has no doubts he can succeed in the position.

“His role within the team is very demanding, but he knows what he wants on the field, so it is good to have that and I’m looking forward to having him back,” Nofoaluma said.

“He can definitely ball play and run, so I think because he has had that whole pre-season of training, he is comfortable in that position.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him play in that position this year and owning it. I’m excited for that.

“He is definitely a great addition to be in the team.

“James (Roberts) and I trained with him all pre-season, so we have a lot of combinations working together.”

Wests Tigers halfback Luke Brooks has done well to reach the 150 NRL games milestone at the one club. Photo: Mark Nolan/Getty Images.

Meanwhile, Brooks will celebrate his 150th NRL game for the Tigers against the Roosters on Sunday.

“I’m very honoured to play 150 games for the club,” he said.

“I guess you don’t really think about the individual milestones when you are playing or plan for those, but it is nice when it comes along.

“To do it playing at one of our home grounds is a good one and it is our first game at Campbelltown with fans for a long time, so hopefully a few of our members get out there.”

Originally published as Wests Tigers stars back Adam Doueihi to shine at five-eighth