Benji Marshall has reportedly found his long-term replacement for the outgoing Jarome Luai as the Tigers emerge as frontrunners to land a Dolphins gun.
According to Code Sports, Jake Averillo is set to sign with the merger club on a deal that begins in 2027 in the wake of Luai’s decision to join the PNG Chiefs in 2028.
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Averillo was hot property on the open market, with the Dolphins hopeful of retaining his services, while the Sharks, Sea Eagles and Dragons all sat down with the talented outside back.
Manly’s interest reportedly cooled due to the emergence of Clayton Faulalo and the club’s desire to hand him a new deal.
The 25-year-old reportedly held a desire to return to Sydney for personal reasons, having previously spent time at the Bulldogs across four seasons.
Averillo can play in the halves and could be a straight swap for Luai in 2028, however he has spent majority of his time in the centres while at the Dolphins.
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Interestingly, fellow halves contenders Jock Madden and Latu Fainu are contracted until the end of 2027 — sparking a potential shootout for the No.6 jersey for the following year.
Following Luai’s decision to join the Chiefs, Tigers powerbrokers have moved quickly to re-sign a host of key stars, including Terrell and Taylan May as well as Sunia Turuva, Heamasi Makasini and Jahream Bula.
Meanwhile, the likes of Starford To’a and Jeral Skelton’s futures at the merger club are unclear, while Luke Laulilii and Kit Laulilii will make the move to the Bears.