As the title suggests, Jake Averillo & Josh Kerr are both rumoured to be free to negotiate with rivals clubs. I believe both players would fit well within Ryles' plan.
Jake Averillo:
There was some mail earlier this week that Ryles had met with Jake Averillo, who is currently in Sydney due to the Dolphins having a bye. While I haven't been able to yet confirm this mail, it seems fairly reliable. I think Averillo would be a very welcome addition, he has shown a strong ability to play five-eight at the NRL level, while also putting in strong performances at fullback, centre, and wing.
I am unsure whether Ryles would view him as a 6, but I think he'd complement Moses very nice. His defence may still need work, but his running game and speed are outstanding. That said, he has also been effective at centre, and fullback in his earlier performance this year against the Bulldogs. I believe he'd be relatively cheap, ultimately as I cannot see many suitors. He apparently has a desire to return to Sydney, and I do not think there are many Sydney teams who require a five-eight or centre; perhaps Sharks (depending on if Nicho moves to FB), Rabbitohs (Cody replacement) or, potentially Dragons as a centre. Jake is also only 24, which is mind-blowing considering how long he has been a regular in first-grade
Josh Kerr:
Josh Kerr may be a controversial option, but I am a big fan of him as a player. He was reportedly offered to the Broncos this week, and with the emergence of some forwards at the Dolphins (Donoghue, Keeley, etc) he looks like he will make way. Josh serves the role as a bench-impact player very well. He often plays about 15 minutes either side of half time and offers a game-breaking ability due to his offloading and tackle breaking ability, all while being solid in defence. He can play a very similar role to NAS, but will be almost a quarter of the price.
Eels fans, would you be happy with Jake Averillo and/or Josh Kerr coming to the Blue and Gold in 2026?
Replies
Both mate...
Here we go again.. Poppa having fantasy league about me again!
Would take Averillo but probably no to Kerr. With the JBD addition prob have enough middles fighting for spots
Glad we didn't pursue Cobbo. Can see why Broncs were not keen to keep him. Jelly spine, no heart for the battle
We need a 5/8 who can be general kicker of the football.
Doueihi fits the bill as a signing, I love a big body 5/8.
if I'm the Eels I'm in the market for aggressive footballers , it's something that we lack significantly across the park.
Doueihi ticks the boxes were after.
Joash for mine has to establish himself as a 14 to play grade he's not the accompanying 5/8 to Moses we require.
Doueihi short term fills the void until a junior or otherwise demands the position.
Yep.
Agree, I'm not entirely convinced Joash is ready for such a critical position.
I would prefer Adam Doueihi as five-eight though?
I actually think Jake will sign with us. He is that extra outside back utility we're looking for. He can play 14 and if the joash experience doesn't work out he can play 6 no issue at all. Has good speed and leg speed. Really suits ryles
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