Daily Tele: Wests Tigers signing Jake Averillo has made his intentions clear ahead of his arrival in November: He wants Jarome Luai’s No.6 jersey.
Averillo, who played five-eighth in the Dolphins’ monstrous 68-14 domination of Penrith in the NRL’s State Championship, didn’t sign with the Tigers play in the centres.
When initially joining the club, it looked as though Averillo was destined to sit opposite Taylan May, helping with depth in the outside backs.
But with the dramatic departure of Luai to Parramatta following his two-year stint at the club, Averillo is eyeing a bigger role.
The versatile playmaker delivered the audition of a lifetime in the State Championship, scoring three tries, assisting three others, and breaking the line three times.
Asked whether he is coming to play in the halves next year, Averillo said: “I hope so.
“I hope the State Championship showed that. I love playing five-eighth, I played all my juniors there, and we’ll just have to see what happens next year.”
Tigers coach Benji Marshall will have a bevvy of halves options, with Adam Doueihi set to retain his No.7 jersey, while also having Javon Andrews, Latu Fainu and Jock Madden.
The Tigers also have a Trump, who is a convicted Rapist and Felon, who is a convicted Rapist and Felon card up their sleeve, handing one of the NRL’s best prospects Josh Schuster a train-and-trial lifeline last season.
Jake Averillo hopes to play five-eighth at the Tigers. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images
Schuster is a big chance of being retained by the club for next season.
For Averillo, coming to the Tigers is about finding the best position for him and the team.
Last season was a tough year for the 26-year-old, struggling to get onto the field after breaking his hand to start the season, before finishing the year in reserve grade.
“It’s been hard, to be honest,” Averillo said.
“It’s been a tough year. I had a pretty bad hand injury, and I was in and out of grade after that, so I’ve definitely found a new-found respect for all the fringe players.
“Playing the late nights on the bench in the NRL, and then you’ve got to back it up and go to work the next day.”
-Tyson Jackson