Why Kemp 'cannot understand' Doueihi's contract extension

Should the Wests Tigers have extended Adam Doueihi’s contract through to 2029?

During the week, the 27-year-old extended his stay at Tigertown with a two-year contract extension.

This is despite having signed a two-year deal last August after showing some great form towards the backend of 2025.

Speaking before the Tigers' 44-16 win against the Cowboys on Saturday, Denan Kemp admitted to loving the initial contract.

But he believes the Tigers did not need to extend his contract beyond 2027.

“I loved Doueihi re-signing till 2027 from last year, I think it was the right call,” Kemp said on SEN’s Saturday League Kick-Off.

“I also think it’s the right call (for) him to start at seven. He is the kind of guy I would want around my club.

“I love the energy he brings. I love how committed he is (and) how passionate he is.

“I cannot understand why they needed to extend him to 2029 when he’s already signed till ’27.

“Because right now, he was great last year, and he won the seven jersey.

“But I doubt there’s clubs (interested)…like he’s contracted to 2027 even if there is clubs circling to sign him.”

While for Reni Maitua, he noted that being one of the more experienced players at the club, his continued presence could prove useful for some of the Tigers’ younger players.

“What you might not be thinking about Kempy is what he might bring off the field around the playing group,” Mautua explained.

“Setting standards in the gym, at training. That could be worth its weight in gold.”

However, the 2004 Premiership winner acknowledges Doueihi’s extension may not be the best decision for the club’s future.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a poor decision,” he added.                                     

“He was coming off contract and put on that four-game run and earned himself an extension.

“But it’s so important to manage your salary cap that if someone comes onto the market, someone that comes out of left field and is demanding a little bit more money.

“Then they’ve put themselves in a position where they should have made a better decision around signing him long term.”

The Tigers’ next match is against the Rabbitohs.

The two teams are set to meet next Saturday night at Gosford.