Injury-Plagued Tigers Player Aims for NRL Comeback Following Encouraging Recovery Update
Wests Tigers’ Adam Doueihi, who is currently sidelined due to his third ACL tear, refrains from specifying an exact return timeline. However, the Lebanese international expresses cautious optimism, aiming for a potential comeback by July. Doueihi, 25, has been steadily progressing through significant milestones in his recovery process.
The unfortunate incident occurred at Accor Stadium last season during a game against the Eels on April 10, evoking a somber atmosphere as Doueihi landed awkwardly and remained on the ground in the final 10 minutes of the match. Subsequent scans confirmed the severity of the injury, marking Doueihi’s third ACL tear. Following surgery, this setback is expected to keep him out of action for 12 to 16 months.
“It’s always tough, especially considering it’s my third one,” remarked Doueihi, reflecting on his injury almost 12 months after signing a one-year extension for the 2024 season.
“I understand the physical and emotional toll of the rehab process all too well, so there are days when you’re alone, and your thoughts can overwhelm you,” he added.
“However, this time around, I’ve been handling it really well. I know what to anticipate, and I understand the dedication required to make a successful return.
“I’m currently about 30 weeks post-op, and I feel like I’m making progress every week,” Doueihi continued optimistically. “As long as I focus on winning each day and each week, I’m confident there’s a clear path to getting back to my best form.”
Despite his injury, the Tigers star has been running for two months and participated in separate training sessions from the main group on Thursday morning, alongside John Bateman, who underwent minor clean-out surgery in the off-season.
“I’ve encountered no setbacks on the field, and I’m approaching everything with a slower, more relaxed mindset this time,” Doueihi stated.
“Everything is progressing according to plan, and the outlook is positive,” he continued.
“Reaching these milestones is significant for any rehabilitating player. When you’ve endured a long-term injury as I have multiple times now, hitting these benchmarks, like resuming running, changing direction, and engaging in reactive drills, is incredibly rewarding.”
Doueihi’s NRL career has seen him play just 87 games over six seasons, and he’s certainly due some luck. The versatile playmaker showcased his abilities with nine tries in 2021 before injuring his knee against Cronulla, which sidelined him for approximately 10 months. However, Doueihi understands the importance of caution this time around, prioritizing safety to minimize the risk of further injury.
“I haven’t pinpointed a specific game for my return,” Doueihi clarified.
“We’ve discussed a mid-season comeback around July. However, whether it happens earlier or later, I’m not overly concerned. My priority is ensuring that I take every precaution to ensure my knee is 110 percent strong because this is my third time dealing with this injury.
“I want to return with the confidence that there’s no reason for it to occur again,” he emphasized.
