Adam Doueihi Denies Rift with Benji Marshall Amid Wests Tigers Drama

Wests Tigers star Adam Doueihi has publicly dismissed rumors of a rift with coach Benji Marshall, following reports of a ‘heated and aggressive’ confrontation during a training session. The incident, which allegedly involved a forceful tackle from Marshall, has been described by Doueihi as exaggerated. “It’s been blown out of proportion,” he told News Corp. “Me and Benji are on very good terms; that’s all I want to say.”

The announcement comes as the Wests Tigers are striving to break a six-game losing streak, with an upcoming match against the Roosters at Allianz Stadium. The alleged altercation has added to the scrutiny on the club, which has recently seen significant player movements and internal challenges.

Player Movements and Internal Challenges

The reported confrontation between Doueihi and Marshall is not the only issue facing the Tigers. The club recently released promising hooker Tallyn Da Silva to the Parramatta Eels and saw young talent Lachlan Galvin move to the Canterbury Bulldogs. Both players were under contract until the end of 2026, raising questions about the club’s management and future direction.

According to reports, Galvin did not align with the coaching philosophy at the Tigers and believed he could better develop under Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo. Meanwhile, Da Silva’s move to Parramatta addresses the Eels’ need for a top-tier No.9, a position they have struggled to fill since Reed Mahoney’s departure after the 2022 Grand Final.

Strategic Decisions and Leadership

Veteran player Api Koroisau remains a focal point for the Tigers, despite being off-contract at the end of next year. “I still think Api has a lot more years left in his legs,” said co-captain Jarome Luai. “He’s a big part of our team.”

Shane Richardson, the Tigers’ chief executive, has supported the strategic decision to retain Koroisau over Da Silva, promising the young hooker and his family that he could negotiate with other clubs if Koroisau stayed. This decision reflects the club’s current priorities but has sparked concern among fans about the long-term implications.

Implications for the Club’s Future

The Tigers’ recent struggles and player departures have left fans and analysts questioning the club’s future. If the team fails to improve and ends the season with another wooden spoon, it could lead to significant changes, including the potential replacement of coach Benji Marshall.

Despite the challenges, Marshall has the backing of the club’s leadership. However, the pressure is mounting as the Tigers look to avoid a repeat of past failures and rebuild their reputation in the NRL.

“Leaving the club was the best thing,” Da Silva told the Sydney Morning Herald, reflecting on his decision to join Parramatta.

The move represents a critical juncture for the Wests Tigers, as they navigate internal dynamics and external pressures. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the direction of the club and the fate of its current leadership.

As the Tigers prepare for their next match, all eyes will be on how the team responds to recent controversies and whether they can turn their season around.