Averillo Joins the Tigers! NRL Signings Wrap

Photo: talkingweststigers/Instagram

The NRL player market continues to heat up, with several major signings, contract extensions and retirement announcements confirmed across the competition.

The biggest move of the week sees the Wests Tigers land Dolphins centre Jake Averillo on a four-year deal worth $2.75m, through to the end of 2030.

Averillo has developed into one of the NRL's most dangerous outside backs, capable of playing centre, fullback and five-eighth. His arrival provides another significant boost to Benji Marshall's rapidly improving roster.

Averillo's role is yet to be understood, he could possibly play in the halves as a long-term replacement for Jarome Luai, who leaves for PNG.

Young star half, Joey Walsh has been extended with the Sea Eagles until 2029. Walsh has been in great form under Kieran Foran and was a priority to extend.

Brisbane veteran Ben Hunt will extend his NRL career into a remarkable 19th season after signing a one-year extension for 2027.

The 36-year-old has played 365 NRL games, represented Queensland 20 times and earned six Test caps for Australia. Since returning to Brisbane, Hunt has helped guide the Broncos back to premiership success while continuing to play a crucial leadership role.

The Broncos have also secured rising playmaker Tom Duffy until the end of 2028 after an impressive start to his first season at Red Hill.

Expansion club Perth Bears have added more talent to their inaugural roster.

Former Panthers and Tigers forward Mavrik Geyer has signed a two-year deal from 2027, while highly-rated young prospect Mason Barber has agreed to a three-year contract from the Cowboys.

Wests Tigers centre Starford To'a will join the Sea Eagles from 2027 after being granted an early release from his Tigers contract.

The club has also locked away in-form fullback Clayton Faulalo until the end of 2029. Faulalo has been one of Manly's breakout performers this season, impressing across multiple positions in the backline.

The Gold Coast have continued investing in their future by extending Kurtis Morrin until the end of 2029.

Morrin has enjoyed an excellent first season at the club after arriving from Canterbury and has quickly become a valuable member of Des Hasler's squad.

The Titans have also recently extended Tyler Pereira and Arama Hau as they continue to build around a promising young core.

One of the NRL's most improved forwards is staying put. Siua Wong has signed a two-year extension that keeps him at the Roosters until the end of 2028.

The Tongan international has emerged as a key figure in Sydney's pack this season and is expected to play a major role in the club's future premiership ambitions.

Penrith winger Tom Jenkins has signed a new three-year contract extension through to 2029, squashing rumours he would leave the club.

Jenkins currently leads the NRL with 20 tries this season and has established himself as one of the competition's most dangerous finishers.

North Queensland have secured underrated hooker Soni Luke for the 2027 season.

The Tongan international joined the Cowboys this year and has impressed club officials enough to earn a new deal.

Broncos outside back Jesse Arthars will depart the NRL at season's end after signing a two-year deal with Catalans Dragons.

The Queensland representative will reunite with former Broncos assistant John Cartwright in France and leaves Brisbane after helping the club return to premiership glory.

In other news, Bulldogs winger Marcelo Montoya has announced he will hang up his boots at the conclusion of the 2026 season. Montoya has struggled for form since joining the Bulldogs, and has decided to retire.

The big rumour of the week, is Spencer Leniu is set to sign for the Eels starting in the 2027 season. Rumours have swirled around the forward moving to Parramatta, more information to come on this story. Stay tuned.