Corey Thompson has welcomed the challenge for his fullback jersey from new recruit Adam Doueihi, suggesting it will give the Tigers an attacking edge in the coming season.
Thompson's position in the side has been clouded with uncertainty throughout the pre-season, with the Tigers' early big-money pursuit of Latrell Mitchell placing doubt over Thompson's role at fullback.
Whilst they missed out on Mitchell, it meant the man he replaced at the Rabbitohs, Adam Doueihi, fell into the Tigers lap, with the utility back penning a four-year deal at Concord in January.
It gives Michael Maguire two excellent options to fill the number one jersey, and despite still being uncertain on where he'll line up come Sunday week against the Dragons, Thompson has hinted the pair could share the fullback duties.
MORE: Cameron Smith drops big hint on plans beyond season 2020
"Madge has kept that up his sleeve, but I think it's a good thing," Thompson told Sporting News.
"I think if we both prepare well for fullback, regardless of what happens we're going to have two players that can fill that position and go there at any time in the game."
The Tigers have long been identified as an attack-focused team in previous years, but defence has become the theme since Maguire arrived in 2018.
However, Thompson thinks Doueihi's arrival gives the Tigers an attacking dimension they at times lacked in 2019.
"His versatility and skill level, he brings our attack up another notch, which is what we lacked last year," Thompson noted.
"Him, BJ (Leilua) and Luch (Luciano Leilua) and Billy (Walters), they've really adapted well to our team, and we've come up another level overall."
His versaility is one thing, but Thompson also senses Doueihi will have a point to prove in 2020 given the way he was forced to make way for Mitchell at South Sydney.
It's just another reason the Tigers star can't wait to link up with the former Rabbitoh this year.
"It's a great thing for a player to have a chip on their shoulder and then come back and have a great year," the 29-year-old said.
"Hopefully, Adam in a good way does have that chip on his shoulder and can have a good year for us."
