Jake Averillo has been moved from the wing to five-eighth for the Dolphins, filling the void left by Sean O’Sullivan, who was dropped after partnering Isaiya Katoa last week. Averillo, a 24-year-old who was developed as a five-eighth at the Bulldogs, made a significant impact in his new role.
In the 20th minute, Averillo scored an impressive 95-metre try and was involved in setting up several other tries in the first half. He went on to score his second try of the match in the 75th minute.
Analyst Michael Ennis praised the move, stating that Averillo’s speed and running game have revitalized the Dolphins’ left edge. Averillo has previously played 18 games at five-eighth,including the final two rounds of the previous season.He has proven to be a versatile player for the Dolphins, filling in at five-eighth, fullback, wing, and center.
Averillo’s partnership with halfback Isaiya Katoa appeared to be effective, with Katoa contributing a try assist and five linebreak assists.
The Dolphins’ left edge demonstrated its potency against the Cowboys, notably against their defense. The team had already scored 40 tries from their left edge prior to this game,compared to 19 on the right. They added four more tries from this edge during the match, with a potential fifth try being dropped by Hamiso Tabuai-fidow.
Despite a lapse in concentration in the second half where they nearly relinquished a 28-point lead, the Dolphins’ performance in the first 50 minutes was strong enough to concern opposing teams. Cooper Cronk highlighted the exceptional play of Jake Averillo, Herbie Farnworth, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, and Connelly Lemuelu, with Lemuelu delivering what was arguably his best game to date.Lemuelu recorded two try assists, two linebreaks, a linebreak assist, six tackle busts, and amassed 223 meters from 20 runs. Averillo,Farnworth,and Tabuai-Fidow each surpassed 120 meters in the game.
