Averillo backs Phins to be up for national challenge

“They've worked hard all season and you can tell how much it means to them, not just the playing group, but all the staff and BRL squad [Brisbane Rugby League] as well.

“It is a bit bittersweet, obviously there (last night) with the boys, so it's good to get one back for the club and hopefully we can go again (in Sydney).”

Next season, the versatile back – who can play in the halves, as a centre and at fullback – will suit up for Wests Tigers, after the club made the announcement of his signing mid-season.

With the NRL Dolphins enjoying a much kinder run of injuries overall this season, their depth saw Averillo unable to regain his regular starting place in the line-up after being sidelined in Round 8 with a bad hand injury. 

While disappointed to not get more time this season in the NRL, the five-eighth knew his experience could help the Cup side to their first title since 2018.

“That's something I've tried to bring to the group,” Averillo said.

“Obviously, I've got the experience and coming back, I’ve just been trying to come back with a good attitude, open mind and bring what I can to the team.

“(After missing NRL selection) I just told myself you can go two ways, you get worse or just have a good attitude.

“The NRL team was still in play, so I just tried to stay as ready as I could and (I wanted to) contribute as much as I could to this team, because they have shown me how much it means to them and I had a still had a job to do.

“I can see how much it means to the region … coming down to reserves, it's a whole different world.

“This club's been around a lot longer than the NRL team, so there's a lot more history to it and a lot more people involved, so I am really happy.

“Hopefully we can go one step further.”

Felise Kaufusi also missed playing in the NRL side’s finals campaign, but featured for Redcliffe in all three of their post-season matches.

Named at prop; the Maroons, Tonga and Kangaroos representative said he hoped he could help the squad prepare well for what would be biggest game of their lives for some of the players.

“You have got to approach it like another game; but it's not just another game,” Kaufusi said.

“The build-up is big and the pressure's as big as it is already.

“You don't have to go out and do anything different, you just play it and keep your routine as much as you can.

“I'll be there to try and keep them as calm as they can, but naturally, it's going to be a big week for us as a club.

“But we'll go down there and prepare as best we can.”

In a big boost for the side, the line-up will also feature Trai Fuller at fullback, with the Dolphins regular, who played 14 games for the club this year, forced to miss last week’s decider through suspension.

Dolphins captain and 151 club veteran Sheldon Pitama, a former Māori All Stars representative, said his inclusion was an important one for the team.

“Trai Boy's back, I'm stoked about that,” Pitama said.

“He fills the team with confidence when he's on the field, whether he's running the ball or just there, present.

“He's a great footballer and he just means so much to this community as a footballer and the club.

“I was really disappointed he didn't get to play (the grand final), to have a grand final taken off you is always disappointing.

“We'll get to run out with Trai … and he can showcase his skill and class in the national final.”

Redcliffe coach Dave Elliott was at the helm the last time a Queensland side beat the NSW team, with Norths Devils in 2024 defeating Newtown 20-18. This year’s Duncan Hall Medal winner (player of the grand final) Sam Elliott was also part of that team. 

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