Wests Tigers star Adam Doueihi prepared to sacrifice his five-eighth dream for the team

Wests Tigers star Adam Doueihi believes his best position remains five-eighth, but for now he is prepared to put the team first and play centre to revive the Tigers’ season.

Tigers coach Michael Maguire’s decision to shift Doueihi, the team’s best player this season, to the centres shocked the club’s frustrated supporters.

Despite the initial doubt, Maguire’s gamble proved to be a masterstroke.

Doueihi finished with two tries, a try assist, three tackle breaks and six goals in a big win over Newcastle during last week’s Magic Round in Brisbane.

The performance justified Maguire’s decision to move his five-eighth to the outside backs.

Adam Doueihi would prefer to play five-eighth, but he knows the team must come before his self gain at this point. Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.Source:Getty Images

Doueihi will again line up in the centres against the Warriors on Friday night, even though he’d prefer to don the No.6 jumper.

“I do feel like I’m better at six, but I’m not bigger than the team and with the roster at the moment I’m at centre,” Doueihi said.

“That is where the team needs me.

“I’ve played a bit of four numerous times before, and felt really comfortable there.

“It worked really well there last week, so I’ll be there again this week.”

Doueihi wasn’t so sure when Maguire asked him to move to the centres, but he warmed to the idea once he was offered an explanation.

The former South Sydney Rabbitoh has a potent running game, and the Tigers believe it’s best served on the edges.

“Once he (Madge) explained it to me, I agreed and moved on pretty quickly,” he said.

“There is no point me dwelling on it.

“We weren’t getting the results we wanted, and he felt he wanted to get our best 13 on the field, and he felt that was with Moses at six and me at centre.

“It was more to get Moses inside of me and Madge likes my running game and feels like I can get the ball out wider I can keep my running game to myself.

“I guess I’m pretty versatile and he saw me in the centres as a good option.

“I accepted that straight away and worked hard to try and improve where we have been.”

Luke Brooks was back to his best in a big win over Newcastle. Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.Source:Getty Images

Doueihi praised Moses Mbye and Luke Brooks for starring in the halves against the Knights.

He was particularly proud of Brooks, who excelled in the game managing role.

“Brooks stepped up big time,” he said.

“I think it was his best game he has played this year and he took total control of the team.

“He kicked to corners and managed the game the best he has done this year – I’m really happy for him.”

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