Wayne Bennett in classy move for Lachlan Ilias after releasing halfback to join Dragons

Lachlan Ilias has singled out Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett for praise after the former Souths halfback sealed his NRL switch to the Dragons this week. Shane Flanagan's Dragons moved to snap up Ilias as a replacement for former captain Ben Hunt, who also agreed on a move this week by signing a two-year deal with the Brisbane Broncos.

Ilias was once viewed as the long-term successor to veteran halfback Adam Reynolds at Souths, but his career stalled and the talented No.7 was dropped from the first grade squad this year before suffering a serious leg injury that ended his season in April. It's understood Bennett saw Ilias as a bench utility and part of the club's hooker rotation for 2025 but the opportunity to play in his preferred halves role at the Dragons proved too good to pass up.

But the 24-year-old said Bennett was open and honest with him about his position at the Rabbitohs and incredibly supportive about his desire to play in the halves. Ilias says he stayed in constant dialogue with Bennett as contract discussions with the Dragons progressed and was told he deserved to be an NRL halfback, in a classy move from the master coach.

“I spoke to Wayne through the whole process. I wanted to see where I stood at Souths. He was really honest and I appreciated that. I kept him updated with the Dragons showing interest," Ilias told Code Sports.

“When I signed, I sent him a message as well. He supported my decision and said I deserve to play first grade – and that he looks forward to seeing my career. I was really impressed that he said that. He was supportive the whole time. Obviously very grateful for everything at Souths – they gave me the opportunity.”

Ilias admitted his career at Souths had been a "bit of a rollercoaster" full of ups and downs but hailed his former club as the perfect starting point for his professional career. Ilias is now looking forward to the next chapter in his career, which will see the halfback link up with Kyle Flanagan in the halves at St George-Illawarra, as well as former Rabbitohs teammate Damien Cook, who'd been pushing for Ilias to join him at the Dragons.

Shane Flanagan excited to sign Lachlan Ilias for Dragons

“It’s fantastic to have Lachlan join us at the Dragons,” Dragons coach Flanagan said after Ilias' switch was confirmed. “He is coming into the best years of his career. 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.” Ilias’ departure means the Bunnies will likely start 2025 with Englishman Lewis Dodd at halfback alongside veteran Cody Walker, with Jack Wighton and Jamie Humphreys other options in the halves.

“Lachy has done a great job over his time with our club. He’s popular amongst the playing group and won a Jersey Flegg Cup premiership here as well,” Rabbitohs head of recruitment and retention Mark Ellison, said after his departure. "Lachy has worked hard to put himself in a position to return from that terrible broken leg he suffered last year and he has an opportunity to extend his NRL future at another club. We felt it was the right thing to do to allow him to take up that opportunity.

"We wish him, his partner Regan and his family the very best of luck in the future and he will always be welcome back here at the South Sydney Rabbitohs.” Ilias will form part of a new-look spine at the Dragons in 2025 that includes halves partner Kyle Flanagan as well as fellow new recruits Clint Gutherson at fullback, with Cook at dummy half.

with agencies