Adam Doueihi's season has been cut painfully short after scans results revealed multiple facial fractures following a sickening head clash during Sunday's match against the Cowboys.
Doueihi was rushed to hospital after colliding heads with Jason Taumalolo's knee in the 8th minute of the Tigers clash against the Cowboys on Sunday.
The full extent of the injury can now be revealed with scans showing two fractures to his eye socket, with surgery now scheduled for next week once swelling subsides.
The devastating injury prematurely ends a season that saw Doueihi shine, especially in his new playmaking position with the talented Wests Tigers utility enjoying his best form since shifting into the No. 7 jersey in recent weeks.
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His form also saw him knock back a lucrative Dragons offer after they came knocking, recently re-signing to remain at the Tigers through to the end of 2027.
The match against the Cowboys saw the Tigers hold a spirited 28-16 lead late in the game before conceding three unanswered tries to lose 34-28.
That late collapse compounded the blow of Doueihi's injury, leaving fans and teammates again to ponder what could of been with a win needed to keep the Tigers slim finals hope alive.
Latu Fainu, who also left the field after suffering a head knock, is expected to step into the halves alongside Jarome Luai in Doueihi's absence.
Despite the setback, Doueihi has been in this position before, with his professional approach throughout multiple past injuries including multiple ACL ruptures, a model for resilience and leadership at the club.
At still just 26 years of age, Doueihi will recover in the coming months and be a full participant in the Tigers preseason as a critical piece of their team going forward into next year.