The Wests Tigers have confirmed the signing of Jake Averillo on a four-year deal from 2027 as a potential long-term replacement for Jarome Luai. Tigers five-eighth Luai will join the PNG Chiefs in 2028, leaving Wests to find a replacement in the halves.
Benji Marshall has already named Latu Fainu and Javon Andrews as potential options, but both are still in the infancy of their careers. Averillo has played all over the back-line in his NRL career with the Dolphins and Bulldogs, and will likely slot in at centre in 2027 before a potential shift to five-eighth in 2028.
Benji Marshall (R) and the Wests Tigers have signed a potential replacement for Jarome Luai (L). Image: Getty
“I’m excited to be joining the Tigers and working under Benji and his team,” Averillo said in a statement on Wednesday. “I’ve seen the way the club has been building over the past few seasons, and after speaking with Benji (Marshall), I’m looking forward to being part of the journey.
“The club has some quality players signed long-term and I’m keen to playing alongside them and help bring success to the Tigers.”
Jake Averillo will join the Tigers on a four-year deal.
(Albert Perez)
Marshall said: “We’re really pleased to have Jake join us from next season on a long-term deal. He’s a very talented player who will add a lot to our team.
“Jake will bring plenty of strengths to our squad including speed and creativity to our centres and also cover multiple positions. After speaking with Jake, I loved his character and confidence, he’ll fit right into what we’re building here at the Wests Tigers. We look forward to welcoming Jake and his family to the club.”
Wests Tigers continue signing spree
The move continues a signing spree for the Tigers are recently agreeing to contract extensions with Terrell and Taylan May, Jahream Bula, Sunia Turuva and Heamasi Makasini. There’d been concerns that Tigers teammates could follow Luai to PNG, so Marshall and the club moved quickly to lock down their off-contract talent.
The Dolphins said about Averillo: “Since joining the Dolphins, Averillo has been a valued contributor both on and off the field, creating many memorable moments in club colours. Everyone at the Dolphins would like to thank Jake for his contribution to the club and wish him all the very best for the future.”
The 25-year-old has played 132 NRL games – 78 at the Bulldogs and 54 at the Dolphins. He suffered a hand injury earlier this year and is trying to fight his way back into first-grade.