South Sydney's massive Adam Reynolds mistake laid bare by Lachlan Ilias' move to Dragons

South Sydney's decision to allow Adam Reynolds to leave Redfern can only be categorised as a massive error after Lachlan Ilias signed a two-year deal with the Dragons on Monday. Ilias was once at the centre of Souths' plans and he was thrust into the spotlight when the Rabbitohs prioritised his future at the club over re-signing Reynolds.

But since letting Reynolds go, Souths have struggled in the halves department, with young playmaker Ilias failing to live up to the hype as Reynolds' heir apparent. While Ilias helped take the Rabbitohs to a preliminary final in his rookie year, his game management was called into question after Souths gave up a big first-half lead to Penrith. The No.7 was then axed two games into last season, paying the price for the Bunnies' 2023 capitulation and poor start to 2024.

The Rabbitohs then gave him immediate permission to leave and signed English half Lewis Dodd for next year to replace him. A broken leg suffered weeks later in NSW Cup slowed down Ilias' exit but he has now secured his fresh start. And Dragons coach Shane Flanagan believes his best football is still ahead of him.

"He is coming into the best years of his career," Flanagan said. "His skill set complements our current squad and he joins the exciting group of players we have recruited ahead of the 2025 season.

"He is progressing well through his rehab and he will be ready to go for the trials. Lachlan joins a squad that is working hard and are committed to an improved 2025. We can't wait for him to rip in with us."

Rabbitohs left to rue Adam Reynolds mistake

Who South Sydney will start in their halves next year is unclear. While Cody Walker and Jack Wighton finished the season there, the Bunnies have purchased Englishman Lewis Dodd as a playmaker. They also snared Manly rookie Jamie Humphreys, who showed his untapped potential in Daly Cherry-Evans' absence last year, while Josh Schuster has also been signed.

One man who would still walk into their side is Reynolds, who despite a torrid injury run in the last 24 months, continues to shine when he takes the field for the Broncos. While the Rabbitohs were caught between a rock and a hard place due to the emergence of young gun Ilias, the decision to prioritise youth and let Reynolds walk hurt the club great. As did the comments that they feared his ageing body would break down.

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Reynolds has also previously spoken of his desire to move into coaching once his playing days are over and is expected to do so after the 2025 season. "I am pretty keen to go down that path. I love working with young fellas," he said. "I came from a system at Souths where there were a lot of older players so you didn't have to do too much outside of your job.

"Coming here it has been refreshing for myself to teach the younger fellas. I think it helps you understand your own role better too. You go over the processes and explain it to the younger fellas, slow it down and try and get them to understand what you are trying to achieve. I enjoy giving that feedback and seeing them execute it."

with agencies