Dolphins move to stave off poaching raid despite player conundrum

Dolphins livewire Jake Averillo has launched extension talks with the club, admitting his surprise to links connecting him with an overseas move.

A selection logjam beckons in Redcliffe following the signing of Selwyn Cobbo, who is set to fill the void left by injured winger Jack Bostock (ACL) before potentially contesting with Averillo for a spot in the centres.

Jake Averillo has revealed he has begun initial contract talks with the Dolphins.Credit: Getty Images

The young flyer’s midyear return will present coach Kristian Woolf with a dilemma, as Averillo has spent time training in the halves since making his way back from a stress fracture in his foot.

“I should be right for round one, and will hopefully get a trial in before that,” Averillo said from a training camp on the Gold Coast.

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“I’ve been training in multiple positions, so I’ll play wherever Woolfy wants me.

“I’ve been training at No.6 a little bit just when Kodi [Nikorima] hasn’t been in – that’s an option we used last year and may have to use that again this year.

“It’s a good strength to have to change things up and keep things fresh, it’s always a good challenge trying to play a different position.

“Sometimes it can work in your favour to actually get a position in the team as well.”

Commentators have suggested Averillo was at risk of being poached by Super League giants St Helens, while the Dragons had been floated as a contender for his signature.

But the utility quickly shut down such speculation, confirming his management had begun discussions to keep him in Dolphins colours beyond the end of his 2026 deal.

“That was definitely news to me, moving to England,” Averillo said with a laugh.

“My manager said we’ve started [extension talks], so we’ll just see how it goes.”

“I’ve missed a lot of training, so I’m just trying to focus on getting back to training and letting my management take care of all that stuff.

Averillo’s revelation he could be utilised at five-eighth alongside Isaiya Katoa could have ramifications for current No.6 Nikorima.

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The 31-year-old joins Averillo and Cobbo in coming off contract at the end of this season, and with the Perth Bears on the hunt for a five-eighth to partner Toby Sexton looms as an experienced option for the new venture to consider.

Dolphins chief executive Terry Reader told this masthead late last year there was still a future for Nikorima in Redcliffe, despite links connecting the club to England halfback and former Canberra Raider George Williams.

But while the three backline stars will fight for their futures, Dolphins forward Connelly Lemuelu believes players within the squad would be willing to sacrifice guaranteed starts in pursuit of premiership glory.

Lemuelu – who inked a one-year contract extension through to the end of 2027 in December – said the club’s refusal to rush recruitment had paid dividends, giving them the firepower to go from the finals wilderness to title contenders.

“We’ve got something good going on here, and for everyone who’s in extension talks, everyone’s preference is to stay here,” Lemuelu said.

“We’ve got a good squad right from the 30 into our development boys, and even the train-and-trial boys are pushing us really hard. Everyone’s pushing each other and there’s competition for spots, which is something we haven’t had much of in the last couple of years.”

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