The Wests Tigers have been the unwanted focus of NRL pundits and commentators throughout the week after halfback Adam Doueihi withdrew from club training on Tuesday and made himself unavailable for selection against the Raiders in response to being informed that he would be shifted to lock to make way for uncapped 19-year-old rookie Javon Andrews.
Andrews will be making a highly anticipated debut against the Raiders, not least because it caps off a remarkable recovery from a severe injury sustained during a junior reps match in 2021, during which he was tackled head-first into the goalposts attempting to score a try.
He was told by doctors that two fractured vertebrae resulting from the collision would end his rugby league career in his mid-teens, before he defied the odds to make a lower grade return in 2023.
It has been nothing but speedy sailing since then for Andrews, who has amassed 23 try assists this NSW Cup season for the Tigers' reserves grade side Western Suburbs Magpies - eight more than the next best in the competition - including four last weekend in a 36-30 win over the Bulldogs.
“Adam and Benji met this morning to discuss a plan for the weekend," Tigers CEO Shaun Mielekamp said to the Daily Telegraph earlier this week.
"Benji made a call on what’s best for the team but as a result Adam has asked for some time off and we agree to that.”
Doueihi is only months into a contract extension that was to keep him at the club to the end of 2029, but with Marshall seemingly putting the future of the club in the hands of Andrews, Doueihi's next move is already being heavily speculated upon.
With his fellow half and co-captain Jarome Luai set to leave Concord Oval one year early as heads to PNG Chiefs via Parramatta, Wests can seemingly ill afford to lose Doueihi as well, with Jock Madden the only other obvious immediate replacement.
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart was asked on Friday morning whether he "feels for" his upcoming opponents and the troubles that have impacted them ahead of what is a must-win game for both struggling sides.
"Nah," Stuart responded nonchalantly, before offering no advice to his adversary.
"It's just a part of the job. Every club, every coach has these types of dramas somewhere in the season. It's how you deal with it (that's most important).
"That's what happens when you're dealing with 40 young players and running a football club. You're going to have all different types of scenarios and you've got to have the leadership qualities to be able to handle it.
"I know Adam Doueihi is a really good young bloke, is very much a club person and I'm sure Adam and Benji will sort it out."
Stuart would also not be drawn in to whether Matty Nicholson or Sebastian Kris will make their on-field returns after they were named as 18th and 19th men this weekend.
Nicholson has not played since 2025 following a syndesmosis and fractured fibula, whilst Kris suffered a hamstring injury.
"Who knows. It's a funny game," Stuart said.
"It's what the 19 is there for now. We've had to use the number 18-19 player only once or twice this year. It's a good concept. I think it has been a success this year.
"(Nicholson) is going to be coming back into playing footy at a really important part of the season. We spoke about this the day we knew the extent of the injury. It is an important part of the season and having Matty back is good.
"I just hope he gets some luck. I think over the last two years he has played ten or 12 (11) games. He's had real bad luck in regards to his body and let's hope he gets a purple patch."
Canberra Raiders and Wests Tigers face off at GIO Stadium on Saturday at 3pm AEST.
Aaron Murphy has been with Flashscore since 2018 and, as the founding editor of the Australian newsdesk, has reported on-site at several major events in Melbourne including the Australian Open, State of Origin, A-League, NBL and international cricket. You can read his pieces here and contact him on X or LinkedIn.
