The dolphins move to ward off the poaching raid despite the player’s puzzle

Commentators have suggested Averill was in danger of being snapped up by Super League giants St Helens, while the Dragons have been listed as contenders for his signature.

But the utility quickly put an end to such speculation, confirming that his management had begun discussions about him staying with the Dolphins beyond the end of his 2026 contract.

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

“My manager said we started. [extension talks]so we’ll 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.

Averill’s revelation that he could be used at five-eighth alongside Isaiya Kato could have ramifications for current No.6 Nikorima.

Loading

The 31-year-old joins Averill and Cobb, who are out of contract at the end of this season, and with the Perth Bears in the hunt for five-eighth partner Toby Sexton, he looms as an experienced option for the new venture to consider.

Dolphins chief executive Terry Reader said late last year that Nikorima still had a future at Redcliffe, despite links linking the club with England defender and former Canberra Raider George Williams.

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

Lemuelu – who in December asked for a one-year contract extension until the end of 2027 – said the club’s refusal to rush recruitment had paid off and given them the firepower to go from the wilderness of the finals to title contenders.

“Something good is happening here and for everyone who talks about an extension, everyone prefers to stay here,” Lemuelu said.

“We’ve got a good squad right from 30 to our development guys and even the training and trial guys are pushing us really hard. They’re all pushing each other and there’s competition for places, which is something we haven’t had much in the last couple of years.”