NRL 2023 Casualty Ward: Scan results set to clear Dolphins recruit Jake Averillo of ACL tear

The Dolphins are confident scans will clear new recruit Jake Averillo of a serious knee injury ahead of his arrival in Brisbane.

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty

The Dolphins are awaiting scan results for new recruit Jake Averillo to determine the extent of the knee injury suffered in his final game for the Bulldogs.

While early fears suggested Averillo had done his ACL, the indications on Monday was it is a medial ligament injury suffered in the Bulldogs’ loss to the Titans.

If that is the case it could see Averillo ready to start preseason training when the squad returns in November.

Averillo had scans on Monday but the hopes were the injury was not as bad as first feared.

Wayne Bennett has high expectations for the talented back next year who is likely to join Broncos recruit Herbie Farnworth as the first-choice centre combination.

Jake Averillo limps off the field. Picture: NRL

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett. Picture: NRL Imagery

Jake Averillo off with a left knee injury - good news is “ACL feels pretty good” in hands on testing by the Bulldogs medical staff. Thankfully mechanism appears more knee into ground than non-contact foot plant, concern for PCL sprain/patella issue but unlikely a lengthy recovery pic.twitter.com/MYAa4gvAVV

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) September 3, 2023

NRL Physio Brien Seeney explained at worst it was an eight to ten week recovery for a MCL or PCL tear, but it could be much quicker.

“It really depends on the grading,” Seeney said.

“If it is minor you are looking at one to three weeks.

“But even worse case scenario you are looking at eight to 10 weeks and it very rarely needs surgery.

“As long he avoids an ACL injury then he will pretty much be right for the start of preseason.”