Still a rookie playing as an NRL number 7, however if we improve ball control and our go forward - which are both likely, than I think Averillo is the pick.
His experience from last year together with playing behind this pack and having Burton as a half partner will be the key to his improvement.
Hooker is obviously still a big concern - JMK needs to be at 14 and Cook needs play at 9.
The reason we need to give Cook first chance is that 2 of our biggest issues are how we attach in the opposition 20 and and last tackle kicks from anywhere on the field - both directly impact the 6 and 7.
Averillo is a very good kicker of a football and we all know Burton is a great kicker - both are very dependent on the 9's ability to set up the last play. Thank god we have signed Mahoney because previously Lichaa and now JMK are both sadly lacking in that area.
Same thing for attacking in the 20, or from anywhere on the field really. If you don't have vision and a sharp pass from the 9, then everything that comes next will be stymied - it is by far our biggest issue, although in the little I have seen of Cook he is a genuine No 9.
BBO is the backup for both the 9 and 7
Wakeham is depth and Flanagan misses out.
Whatever Averillo achieves this year, it will be greatly improved on in 23 when Mahoney arrives.
