Signings watch: Who will move before the deadline?

With the signing deadline fast approaching, Michael Carayannis has gone through who could potentially leave their clubs.

In the days before the June 30 deadline, there has been some movement, with the Dolphins letting second-rower Oryn Keeley leave on an early release to join the Melbourne Storm, having previously agreed to join from 2027 on a two-year deal.

Another player who will leave the Dolphins at the end of the season is Jake Averillo.

The 25-year-old signed a four-year deal to see him join the Wests Tigers.

But any possibility of the Dolphins doing the same with Averillo as they have with Keeley is highly unlikely.  

“No chance, zero chance of that happening because they feel like they can win,” Carayannis told SEN’s Kick-Off.

“Jake Averillo is so handy in the squad ‘cause he covers any position in the backline.

“I don't know if he makes their starting inside now, Jake Averillo, but if anyone goes down, they could even play Kodi Nikorima at 7 and Jake Averillo at 6 when he's back while (Isaiya) Katoa is injured.

“So, he's sort of the first cab off the rank for any position from fullback to well they've got Trai Fuller as well.

“They've got a lot of depth there, the Dolphins, but I don't see that happening.”

But while he doesn’t see the Dolphins letting go of the versatile back, he does expect other moves to be made before the deadline, with the Wests Tigers set to be in the thick of the action.

“Junior Tupou will go from the Roosters back to the Tigers, I think that will happen,” he said.

“Luke Laulilii will go from the Tigers to the Warriors for the rest of the season before joining the Bears next year.”

The other notable move that has been discussed is Bronson Xerri.

The centre’s future at Belmore has been heavily speculated after being dropped in Round 3, which saw him reportedly request an immediate release of his contract. Since then, the former Shark has returned to the starting line-up but its likely to leave.

The 25-year-old has been rumoured to join the Melbourne Storm on a three-year deal with the Victorian side keen to bring him immediately.

However, the News Corp journalist expects him to remain with the Bulldogs to at least the end of the season.

“Bronson Xerri, I don't think he’s gonna be on the move,” Carayannis continued.

“I think he'll remain at the Bulldogs for the rest of the season.”

The signing deadline will close at midnight on June 30.