Robbie Farah isn’t the only Lebanese Rabbitoh running around in Red and Green, with promising NYC half Adam Doueihi making his mark at Redfern this year.
Having signed with the Rabbitohs in the preseason, the former Australian Rugby Union Schoolboys representative has played 12 NYC games, scoring 4 tries and kicking 50 goals in the process.
At just 19 years of age, Doueihi has impressed, having stepped up to the North Sydney Bears Intrust Super Cup (NSW Cup) team on multiple occasions this year.
The young half has pinpointed the improvement in his kicking down to the mentoring of NYC Assistant Coach Pat Richards, who was prolific with the boot in his playing days with the Parramatta Eels, Wests Tigers, Catalans Dragons and Wigan Warriors, where he played under current Rabbitohs head coach Michael Maguire.
“I’ve developed a lot since the preseason and having Patty here has helped me improve my kicking game,” said Doueihi.
Doueihi continued to explain that Richards’ assistance with his individual kicking game, specifically with kicks to corners and following through, has in an overall capacity also helped the NYC team. Adding to the list of his improvements Doueihi, cited his increased focus on the field in pressure situations.
“Kicking to corners and with goal kicking, focusing on the ball, kicking the ball and following through, trying to get rid of the crowd and voices in the background.”
Richards spoke about his experience on coaching the NYC side, as well as the huge potential of the crop of youngsters at the club, stating that it’s only a matter of time before Doueihi steps up another level.
“I retired last year, it’s a bit different being on the other side of it now but obviously having a lot of experience in the game you get to pass those little tips on,” said Richards.
“Adam’s been great at that and it’s been really enjoyable to be a part of that and help some young guys in any way that I can.
“We’ve already got Campbell Graham up this year and it would be really good to get a couple more, and Adam’s knocking on the door.”
Richards made it clear that despite Doueihi’s good form, there’s still plenty of work to be done for the young half.
“He’s just got to get used to the games. He kicks better in the games than he does at training so he’s just got to get out there and focus himself and get as many kicks out there as possible. He’s got a really good technique so it’s just about improving,” he said.
“A lot of young guys in our 20’s team have got a really big future ahead of them. They’ve got a really good work ethic, which is the most important thing.
They’ve got all the tools and they’re working hard and they can achieve all their goals of playing in the NRL.”
