The Wests Tigers are set to sign Dolphins back Jake Averillo as a potential replacement for Jarome Luai when he exits the NRL club in what could be a big coup from Benji Marshall. This comes as the Newcastle Knights have locked down potential Blues debutant Dylan Lucas on a three-year extension.
Confirmation Luai will be joining the PNG Chiefs in 2028 was a blow for the Tigers with the chief playmaker leaving a role in the halves to fill. Although the Tigers are set to confirm the signing of versatile Dolphins back Averillo after coming in late with a big offer.
Benji Marshall (pictured right) and the Wests Tigers are set to sign Dolphins back Jake Averillo, while Newcastle Knights have locked down Dylan Lucas (pictured far left) on a three-year extension. (Images: Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
The Tigers have reportedly offered Averillo $2.75 million for a four-year deal in a big boost for the back. Averillo plays centre for the Dolphins, but has filled in at five-eighth on a number of occasions.
While he could play both positions for the Tigers, his speed and versatility in the backline will be a huge boost for Marshall’s team. He has scored six tries in seven games this season, but is currently out injured.
While he will likely play centre next year, he could play in the halves when Luai departs. And leading NRL reporter Michael Carayannis revealed some of the details around the reported signing.
“Big deal, it’s a four year contract worth around $2.7-2.8 mark. A lot of clubs were interested in Jake Averillo, Dragons, Sharks, Manly. But not at that price point,” he said on SEN Radio. “That offer from the Wests Tigers blew them out of the water. Next year he will play centre. But with Jarome Luai leaving he is definitely a five-eighth option going forward. It’s not locked in because there is still more than 12 months before they have to make that decision.
“However, they have the option if they don’t find a suitable replacement, of slotting him into that halves spot…but having Jake Averillo there gives them the flexibility to shift him into the halves.” Averillo will be able to cover centre and five-eighth for Marshall going forward and it’s would be a huge signing for the club to help with the depth.
Jake Averillo (pictured) is set to sign with the Wests Tigers on a four-year deal. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
(Albert Perez via Getty Images)Dylan Lucas re-signs with the Knights
Meanwhile, the Knights have locked down second-rower Lucas on a three-year extension to end speculation around his next deal. Lucas has been one of the Knights’ best players this season having scored six tries in 10 games.
He has played a huge role into getting the Knights into fourth on the ladder and his form also earned him a call-up into the NSW Blues squad for State of Origin Game 1. While there was speculation Lucas was in no rush to re-sign, Lucas told his Knights teammates he had signed on for another three years.
“I just wanted to let you know, I’ve re-signed with the club,” Lucas said in a video the Knights posted on Thursday. “I love what we’re building here, I love you fellas and I can’t wait to get after it for the next few years. But, most importantly, this weekend.”
Lucas’ re-signing was met with lots of support from Knights fans with the influential second-rower proving to be one of the best forwards in the game. Lucas scored two tries last week against the Parramatta Eels to help his team move into fourth on the ladder. The Knights have re-signed a number of big names in recent months including Kalyn Ponga as the team build.