Wests Tigers have demonstrated unwavering confidence in Adam Doueihi's positional transformation by securing the versatile playmaker on a two-year contract extension through 2029.
The announcement came Friday, just over 24 hours before the Tigers' season opener against North Queensland. The new deal places Doueihi among the club's longest-committed players, joining only Alex Twal and Sione Fainu with contracts extending to 2029.
The extension represents a significant leap of faith given Doueihi's injury-ravaged career and the Tigers' recent struggles under coach Benji Marshall. The Lebanese international has endured three anterior cruciate ligament ruptures and has shifted between multiple positions since joining the club in late 2019.
"It's a credit to Adam's character and work ethic to bounce back from injuries and put himself in a position to sign an extension with us," Marshall said.
This season marks Doueihi's first sustained opportunity at halfback, where he will partner with high-profile recruit Jarome Luai in the halves combination. The positional stability comes after years of uncertainty for a player who admits to being driven by disappointment.
"I'm really excited to be locked in with the Tigers for the next four seasons. It's a special place for me and my family. There's nowhere else I'd rather be," Doueihi said in a statement.
"We're building something special here amongst this group and I'm looking forward to ripping in this year and putting all our hard work into practice."
The playmaker expressed particular enthusiasm about his new halves partnership and working relationship with Marshall as coach.
"I'm loving playing alongside Romey (Luai) in the halves and working with Benji. We're in a great position as a group to continue growing and improving," Doueihi said.
"I'm grateful to Benji and the club for the faith they've shown in me over the last few years, I'm looking forward to repaying that on the field."
While Doueihi's future is now secure, several key Tigers players face uncertainty beyond the current season. The club's performance in 2026 will likely influence contract negotiations with Luai and fullback Jahream Bula, both of whom are off-contract.
Additionally, the Tigers face potential departures with prop Terrell May, his brother Taylan May, and teenage rugby convert Heamasi Makasini all eligible to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1.
The Tigers will look to translate their faith in Doueihi into on-field success when they open their 2025 campaign against North Queensland, with the halfback's injury recovery and positional switch serving as key storylines to monitor throughout the season.