Wests Tigers culture under scrutiny amid Doueihi saga and ‘vaping in the gym’ claim
The ongoing situation involving Adam Doueihi has brought renewed attention to cultural challenges within the Wests Tigers club. Reports suggest issues ranging from player conduct to internal communication, prompting calls for strong leadership from coach Benji Marshall.
Doueihi reportedly withdrew from a match against the Raiders after a disagreement with Marshall. He had expected to return to the team at halfback after a judiciary win, but Marshall informed him he would be playing in the forwards. This decision led Doueihi to opt out of playing entirely, with the Tigers subsequently losing 56-10.
Doueihi’s actions and club culture
Journalist Brent Read criticised Doueihi’s behaviour, stating that his actions had damaged the club. Read suggested that if Doueihi wished to leave, he should do so, and that he needed to address his teammates whom he had let down. NRL great Gorden Tallis echoed this sentiment, arguing that a leader committed to changing club culture would play wherever the coach requested.
Conversely, journalist Dean Ritchie described Doueihi as a “highly principled” individual who would stand firm if he felt he was being treated unfairly. Read countered that sitting out a game when the team was “getting walloped” did not help the club but rather damaged it.
The discussion extended to broader cultural issues within the Tigers. Ritchie mentioned a claim about players “vaping in the gym,” which he deemed unacceptable. Read emphasised that cultural change comes from driving standards within the club, not from refusing to play.
Internal communication and future direction
Phil Gould issued a warning to the Wests Tigers regarding information leaks to the media following Doueihi’s public disagreement with Marshall. Gould highlighted conflicting reports from both the club and Doueihi’s camp, suggesting that controlling the narrative and fostering trust internally are critical for the club’s future.
Gould noted that it appeared many in the media claimed to have inside sources at the club, leading to rapid dissemination of even private conversations. He stressed the importance of the club taking control over who communicates with the media, either through official channels or by preventing leaks.
NRL legend Paul Gallen supported Gould’s view but also criticised Doueihi’s actions as “embarrassing.” Gallen stated that standing down from a team is a significant breach of trust, placing an individual above the team. He suggested that the club should have at least breached or fined Doueihi for his conduct.
Darren Lockyer suggested that the Doueihi situation might be connected to Jarome Luai’s decision to leave the club. Luai had signed a five-year contract with the Tigers but is set to join the Parramatta Eels next season.
Ritchie indicated that the next six weeks of the season would be crucial for Marshall’s coaching career, urging him to assert his authority. Tallis suggested Marshall should seek advice from experienced coaches, such as Wayne Bennett. Marshall’s immediate challenge involves managing his current squad and considering future player recruitment, with figures like Penrith’s Liam Martin, who is free to speak with clubs on November 1, being mentioned as potential targets.
Braith Anasta stressed the importance of the Tigers maintaining integrity and showing strong leadership to attract new players. He suggested that taking a firm stance on the Doueihi situation, potentially by not playing him, would demonstrate that actions have consequences and that the team comes first.
The Tigers are scheduled to face the Eels on Sunday afternoon.
Source: foxsports.com.au
