‘We’ve offered him a contract’: Benji Marshall and the Wests Tigers fight to keep Adam Doueihi as rival clubs circle

The Wests Tigers have already re-signed one of their key men this week, with another star offered a fresh deal to remain with the club as rivals circle.

Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall has confirmed the club has offered off-contract star Adam Doueihi a new deal for 2026, with the in-demand utility showing his value and versatility with the matchwinning field goal while playing lock last week.

Doueihi has attracted interest from rival clubs, with the Dragons reportedly interested in signing him given his ability to play in the halves, at centre or at lock, where he looked comfortable.

Injuries have plagued him throughout his career, but the 26-year-old has been in outstanding form for the Tigers this season, which is why they’re keen to extend his current deal.

The Wests Tigers are trying to keep Adam Doueihi after he showed his quality with a matchwinning field goal last week. Picture: NRL Photos

“I don’t say a lot about recruitment publicly, but what I will say is that we’ve offered him a contract,” Marshall said.

“What happens from there is behind the scenes. My part’s done, but we definitely want to keep him.”

Players like Melbourne’s Tyran Wishart have become invaluable in today’s game where injuries and head injury assessments can cause major reshuffles.

The Bulldogs were originally criticised for signing what appeared to be a stack of utilities, but the move has paid off with coach Cameron Ciraldo finding roles for everyone in a team that is flying in 2025.

“Canterbury has proved that you can sign players that play in a lot of different positions, and that helps. Adam is a natural footballer who can play anywhere, and that’s a bonus,” Marshall said.

“I thought he did a really good job at lock last week, and we’re looking for him to do a similar job for us this week.”

The Tigers have already had a big win this week with co-captain Api Koroisau inking a new deal to stay with the club for another few years. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Tigers fans will get another chance to see Doueihi at lock when they take on the Panthers this weekend, with Marshall looking for an improved performance after they snuck past the Titans at Leichhardt Oval last Sunday.

They pushed Penrith all the way earlier in the season and will head into the rematch buoyed by the news that former Panther Api Koroisau has signed an extension to keep him at the Tigers until the end of 2028.

Koroisau turns 33 later in the year but Marshall isn’t worried about his age, which is why the club was willing to let young gun Tallyn Da Silva walk if it meant their skipper would stay.

“It’s a big thing for the whole club that Api’s re-signed with us given his experience, he’s our captain, what he’s done for us so far and what he can still do for us in the coming years,” Marshall said.

“It was really important to get him locked down, and we’re just happy it’s done.

“What he’s given us has been his heart and soul in all the games he’s played. All our fans and the club will agree that he gives everything.

“I think he’s got a lot more to offer as well, so as a club we’re happy that it’s done.

“Age is just a number. At the end of day, if you’re still performing, that’s what it’s all about. For us, his experience, his performance, the way he’s travelling and the way his body has been, we’re confident (his age isn’t a concern).”