Adam Doueihi walks out after Benji Marshall blow-up, refuses to play

The Wests Tigers have reportedly been plunged into fresh turmoil after Adam Doueihi allegedly walked out of training and made himself unavailable for this weekend’s clash with the Canberra Raiders, refusing to play according to reports at CODE Sports.

The incident is understood to have followed a disagreement over Benji Marshall’s plans to shift Doueihi from halfbackl to lock after the Tigers opted to hand highly rated youngster Javon Andrews his NRL debut alongside Jarome Luai in the halves.

Doueihi had successfully challenged his judiciary charge earlier in the week, making himself available for selection against the Raiders, and was expecting to return to the halves.

Instead, he is understood to have been informed he would be used at lock, prompting him to leave training after expressing his frustration in an exchange with Benji Marshall.

MORE: DCE makes call on 2027 contract option

The Tigers have since confirmed Doueihi will not play this weekend, with the club opting to give him a week off, according to statements from the Tigers.

Getty Images

The reported fallout is another unwanted distraction for a Tigers side whose season has rapidly unravelled in recent weeks following Jarome Luai’s confirmed departure at the end of the season and a string of disappointing performances that sees them once again sitting in the bottom four.

Marshall has made it clear previously that players need to fit the club’s standards and culture, and this latest roadblock is a huge test for the Tigers coach, with the club only recently re-signing Doueihi and desperately needing his talent.

The veteran has been a shining light this season and arguably the Tigers’ best player, with the sudden confrontation not just about on-field performance but now also shining a spotlight on what is happening in the sheds at Concord.

At the moment the Tigers are all but out of the race for the top eight, so blooding youngsters makes some sense, and there is certainly an argument that a leader of the club like Doueihi should be far more accommodating and help lead the next generation.

However, his unwillingness to be flexible on the run home puts not just the coach, but the club in a precarious position as they navigate what is likely another lost season in many respects.

It remains unclear when Doueihi will return to the squad, but the development leaves the Tigers facing more pressure as they attempt to secure their first win since Round 15 against the Raiders this weekend.

Adam Doueihi walks out after Benji Marshall blow-up, refuses to play

Comments