Lachlan Ilias was released by the South Sydney Rabbitohs, and the St George Illawarra Dragons have confirmed that they will sign him immediately on a two-year contract.
Before Jason Demetriou was fired, the half, who was injured for a large portion of 2024, lost favour at Maroubra.
The Rabbitohs’ recruitment team and new coach Wayne Bennett were then in charge of his future, but it seems that the club’s stated stance from the middle of the season—that Ilias was free to leave—remained unchanged.
With Ilias set to play for the joint venture club in 2025 and 2026, the Red V have been able to take advantage of this as they get ready for the second season of Shane Flanagan’s rebuild.
In a statement announcing the signing, head coach Shane Flanagan remarked, “It’s great to have Lachlan join us at the Dragons.”
He is about to enter his prime working years. He joins the fantastic group of players we have signed in preparation for the 2025 season, and his skill set enhances our present roster.
He is making good progress in his rehabilitation and will be prepared for the trials. Lachlan joins a team that is dedicated to improving 2025 and is working hard.
“We are eager for him to join us in our rage.”
After Ben Hunt was cut a few weeks ago, Ilias is expected to take over the Dragons’ halfback position.
His new halves combination with Kyle Flanagan, who played five-eighth last year and will likely remain in the role for 2025 will be a fascinating watch, with two players unable to hit their respective potentials at previous clubs linking up under Flanagan senior.
The Dragons are short on halves options, with youngster Lykhan King-Togia, who debuted in 2024 at the Dragons but is yet to re-sign beyond the end of 2025, the next option, and beyond that, Clint Gutherson likely facing a shuffle to the number six if injuries strike.
Ilias, who has been with South Sydney since his junior days, debuted against the Dragons in Round 25 of the 2021 season and has also represented Greece at international level.
Rabbitohs head of recruitment Mark Ellison said Ilias had been a popular part of the club.
“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,” Ellison said.
“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 has played 53 NRL games since his debut.
Leave a Reply