Adam Doueihi has opened up about a bizarre in-game ritual after making his long-awaited return to the NRL field.
The Wests Tigers utility had been grounded since Easter Monday last year after suffering a third serious knee injury.
But he came back with a bang on Sunday, scoring a brilliant long-range intercept try and helping the Tigers to a shock 48-24 win over Canberra at Campbelltown.
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The 25-year-old spoke to Nine’s Today about his spectacular return, which had him in tears following the game.
“It was an unreal day… for me personally and for the whole club, two wins in a row now (for the Tigers),” Doueihi said.
“It felt like 400 years (out) for me. To get back playing and have the support of the whole Tigers community, it was a special day.
“Doing three (knee injuries)… you have some dark days. But I stayed positive the whole process.”
Doueihi also revealed a strange habit he has during games.
Eagle-eyed viewers would have noticed the utility backward stepping outside the sideline, and then back into the field of play several times throughout a contest.
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“I’m usually a goal kicker, and after every goal kick – whether I kick it or miss it – I didn’t want to let that effect my game,” he explained.
“So after the goal kick or after a stoppage, I’ll step two feet over the sideline and step back in, and that’s sort of a reset button for me.
“I feel as though it allows me to not dwell – whether I’ve missed or I’ve got the goal kick – on whatever happens in the past, I allow myself to refocus and stay present in the game. Bit of OCD.”
Doueihi will again suit up for the Tigers when they face the Roosters on Sunday.