‘Be Batman’: Tigers shake-up to bring out best in Luai
George Clarke |
He has spent years in the NRL being a Mr Fix It.
But now aged 27, Adam Doueihi is ready to settle into a regular role as he gets set to become Wests Tigers first-choice halfback for the first time in his career.
The Lebanon international is expected to start in the No.7 jersey alongside Jarome Luai at five-eighth when the Tigers face Penrith in Friday’s trial at Leichhardt Oval.
Luai arrived at the Tigers from the Panthers last year but has said this off-season how he felt burdened being the club’s lead playmaker.
Luai says he feels much more comfortable being Robin, with Doueihi happy to assume the role of Batman.
“I’m not sure what Batman’s strengths are but he sounds like a pretty smart, strong dude. I guess I’ll be Batman and he’ll be Robin,” Doueihi said.
“I’ll do most of the yardage and kick planning and talking with our middles and edges.
“I want to free up ‘Romey’ and Jahream (Bula) as much as possible and give them quality ball to show their strengths.”
Doueihi has always had a strong kicking game but he has rarely got the chance to prove his worth as an organising playmaker.
He has played at fullback, lock, centre, five-eighth and had brief stints at halfback during his six previous seasons with the Tigers, but never strung together a full season in one position.
“As you grow up and mature and put some games under your belt and grow into an older player now and a leader among the group, I have finally settled on a position that I like,” Doueihi said.
“I feel as though the halfback brings out my strengths personally and also suits our style of play.
“Injuries haven’t helped but I love to get my hands on the ball, dictating play.
“It’s an easier headspace to go into the season to know that as long as I’m playing good footy that’s my position.”
Doueihi refused to put any loft expectations on the Tigers, who haven’t played in the finals since 2011.
“At the end of every pre-season, you think they’re going really good, until the games come around,” he added.
“All 17 teams think they’ve trained well and this year we’ve stepped up in terms of our fitness levels and nailed down our defensive principles and attacking structure.
“It’s easy to talk. I’m glad the footy is back and we can stop talking.”
AAP