Love of Lebanon helps Doueihi earn Ken Stephen Medal nomination
A proud Lebanese player, Adam Doueihi wanted to help in any way he could when an explosion in Beirut killed more than 200 people and injured thousands in August 2020.
The Wests Tigers five-eighth's pain and compassion were on show as he broke down following a match in the days after the tragedy.
Along with fellow Lebanon Test representative Alex Twal, Doueihi drove his club's support of the Red Cross Beirut Appeal, passionately raising funds and awareness to assist with massive relief efforts.
His role in the campaign, as well as various other community endeavours, earned Doueihi a nomination for the NRL's prestigious Ken Stephen Medal, proudly sponsored by Your Local Club.
"When that exploded and there was the disaster towards the end of last year, it was something that hit me pretty hard," he said.
"I was trying to do something ASAP. Thanks to the club and the people in the organisation, I was able to raise some needs that we could send over in containers and just give back to them ... It was just a small thing that I knew was going to be big for our hometown."
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Doueihi is generous with his time and uses his position to uplift and inspire. He was a key advocate for the Tigers' Unite Harmony program, encouraging social cohesion among high school students.
In addition to his impact at schools, the 22-year-old has engaged in hospital visits, appeared in several club video pieces to promote grassroots rugby league and education and created content to boost families' spirits during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I just remember when I was a kid and whenever a big footy player or someone would come and find time to talk to me or throw the footy with me how it much it meant to me," Doueihi said.
"Any chance I get to go back to schools or spend time with the youth, I know how much they enjoy it. It makes me feel thankful for where I am and hopefully shines a light for another kid to come through.
"Kids these days love footy [players]… They know all their players and you can see when you do walk into the room, they really do listen. Whatever you say, they take in and think it's right.
"So we make sure we spread the right word and tell them little tips about how to behave and what to do outside of school."
If Doueihi was to win the fan vote - which will decide one of four Ken Stephen Medal finalists and closes on August 8 - he would earn a $3500 cash prize for his first junior club, the Strathfield Raiders.
"To spend $3500 at my junior club would be a massive deal for me and the club," he said, with his fondest memories playing for Strathfield being winning premierships in the under 8s, 9s and 10s.
"I was there in their maiden year as a junior club, so it's a special part of me. I'm a local boy ... so I used to always get down and try to watch their games as much as possible.
"I'm very appreciative and thankful that I've been nominated from my club. I'm sure there are many more players from different clubs that have been doing similar things.
"To get nominated for the finalists would mean the world to me."
