FIVE potential landing spots for Jake Averillo

While many stars have been linked with a move from their current club this offseason, one surprising name that has been mentioned in transfer whispers is Dolphins gun Jake Averillo. Off contract at the end of 2026, the Dolphins seem to be in no rush to re-sign the 25-year-old and could let him walk at the conclusion of his current deal. [caption id="attachment_221800" align="alignnone" width="2560"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 10: Jake Averillo of the Dolphins breaks away from the defence during the round six NRL match between Dolphins and Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium, on April 10, 2025, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] A versatile player that can excel in any backline position, as well as in the halves, Averillo's services will be in high demand should he depart from Redcliffe, with a few clubs in particular emerging as the most likely destinations. St George Illawarra Dragons It was revealed earlier this month by Zero Tackle that the St George Illawarra Dragons were interested in acquiring Averillo due to his versatility and speed. [caption id="attachment_223602" align="alignnone" width="2560"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 06: Coach Shane Flanagan of the Dragons is seen during the warm up before the round 14 NRL match between Dolphins and St George Illawarra Dragons at Suncorp Stadium, on June 06, 2025, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] While the Dragons are in desperate need of middles more than anything else, they're yet to settle on a long-term fullback or five-eighth, two roles that Averillo could slot into seamlessly. The No. 1 jumper, in particular, is an exciting prospect, as Averillo played some of his best football in the fullback position for the Canterbury Bulldogs earlier in his career. Manly Sea Eagles Another club that could do with an elite outside back is the Manly Sea Eagles, following the reports that Reuben Garrick would be departing for the Sydney Roosters in 2027. [caption id="attachment_152197" align="alignnone" width="2560"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 14: Reuben Garrick of the Sea Eagles offloads the ball during the round 11 NRL match between Manly Sea Eagles and Cronulla Sharks at 4 Pines Park on May 14, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)[/caption] Averillo could be the perfect replacement for the point-scoring centre, while adding a heap of speed and acceleration to an already quick backline. He'd also provide elite coverage at fullback, and with Tom Trbojevic and Lehi Hopoate both battling a few niggles in recent times, that versatility would be greatly appreciated. Parramatta Eels The loss of Zac Lomax after just one season with the Parramatta Eels raised a few question marks for Jason Ryles' side, but by adding someone of Averillo's caliber, the rookie coach may not be as shorthanded as he originally feared. [caption id="attachment_219247" align="alignnone" width="2560"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 21: Zac Lomax of the Eels looks on during the 2025 NRL Pre-Season Challenge match between Wests Tigers and Parramatta Eels at Leichhardt Oval on February 21, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)[/caption] Returning to Western Sydney, Averillo would be the perfect addition to the Eels backline. His tireless motor and NRL experience would be terrific for the club's youngsters, and would be a much cheaper replacement for Lomax as well. He could also assume the role of five-eighth if needed, and with question marks around the Eels' future No. 6, he could be the answer while the club trains up its young guns. Perth Bears Perhaps an obvious pick, but the Perth Bears need all the personnel they can get, and the acquisition of Averillo would not be a bad place to start. [caption id="attachment_229183" align="alignnone" width="2560"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 06: Newly announced Perth Bears head coach Mal Meninga poses during a NRL media opportunity at Rugby League Central on June 06, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption] If he were to ink a deal with the Bears, Averillo would have the rare opportunity of nailing down any position he wants, and could compete for a key spine position in an otherwise empty roster. This would also open up opportunities for a bigger salary, should he shoot for a starting fullback or halves role. If the trip to Western Australia doesn't scare him off, joining the Bears could be a game-changer for the 25-year-old. Sydney Roosters Daniel Tupou, while still elite, is likely staring down the barrel of retirement, and with Mark Nawaqanitawase heading back to rugby, it may be wise for the Sydney Roosters to welcome Averillo through their doors alongside Reuben Garrick in 2027. [caption id="attachment_224666" align="alignnone" width="2560"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 01: Mark Nawaqanitawase of the Roosters makes a break during the round 13 NRL match between Sydney Roosters and Canberra Raiders at Allianz Stadium, on June 01, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)[/caption] The Roosters' aging backline could do with some youth, and with Garrick set to claim one of the side's vacant backline roles, the addition of the Dolphins star could work wonders for Trent Robinson's squad. Pair that with the fact that James Tedesco is likely in the twilight years of his own career, and Averillo's arrival in Bondi could be the perfect move for both parties.