The St George Illawarra Dragons have faced another setback as a prominent player has opted against an offer to join their ranks.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Jake Averillo has declined the Dragons' proposal, choosing instead to extend his time with the Dolphins.
With no contract in place for 2027, Averillo met with officials from the club in Wollongong before the season, yet he will remain at Redcliffe next year.
He now joins teammates Trai Fuller and Selwyn Cobbo, both of whom have also turned down contract offers from the Dragons, who are in urgent need of fresh talent to enhance their backline.
Fuller received a short-term offer from the Dragons that would allow for an immediate release, but he chose to stay with the Dolphins, despite having logged just nine minutes of play this year.
After his time with the Brisbane Broncos came to an abrupt end, Cobbo was given an impressive five-year deal valued at approximately $4.3 million to join the Red V.
However, the six-time Origin representative decided to remain in Queensland, opting for a one-year contract with the Dolphins instead.
This is a significant victory for the Dolphins in securing Averillo, whose speed and skill make him a valuable asset, capable of excelling in various back-line positions.
With Cobbo's new contract confirmed on Tuesday and Averillo set to extend his time with the Dolphins, there are encouraging developments emerging from Redcliffe under coach Kristian Woolf.