Newcastle Knights confirm interest in South Sydney halfback Lachlan Ilias
The Knights have reached out to Braith Anasta regarding the availability of his client Lachlan Ilias – but where does that leave current Newcastle halfback Jackson Hastings?
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Newcastle Knights have reached out to NRL 360 host and NRL player agent Braith Anasta in regards to his halfback Lachlan Ilias.
Knights’ general manager of football Peter Parr has confirmed the club’s recruitment manager Adam Doyle has an interest in the 24-year-old South Sydney halfback, who has been granted permission to look elsewhere by the Rabbitohs.
It is an interesting admission in that Knights halfback Jackson Hastings has another year to run on his contract and has previously become anxious and unsettled over career speculation.
Hastings has played at six clubs in the past 10 years – the Roosters, Sea Eagles, Salford, Wigan, Wests Tigers and Knights.
Anasta would not comment, other than to say: “There has been a high level of interest (in Ilias) from a number of clubs.”
Canterbury has been mentioned as another option for Ilias to further his NRL career.
Parr, however, confirmed the Knights interest.
“We’ve been discussing what we might look like in the future,” Parr said.
“Adam Doyle, our recruitment manager, had a meeting with Braith.
“There’s nothing concrete at this stage. No offer has been made.
“Jackson’s our halfback at the moment. He’s here until the end of next year.”
Hastings has a big game Sunday afternoon for the Knights opposite Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes at AAMI Park in Melbourne.
He has played solidly for the Knights this year. However, there is a theory the Knights need more creativity in the playmaking role if the club is to develop into a top-four outfit and genuine premiership threat.
Meanwhile, Ilias continues on his road to recovery after suffering a broken leg playing NSW Cup earlier in the season.
He could be fit to play again at the back end of the season.
More Coverage
Originally published as Newcastle Knights confirm interest in South Sydney halfback Lachlan Ilias
Addo-Carr’s Bulldogs career is as good as over
The Canterbury Bulldogs have reportedly made a massive move to terminate the contract star winger Josh Addo-Carr.
Expansion bombshell as NRL rejects eight hopeful bids
The Jets’ hopes of a top-flight rugby league return have been crushed, after the NRL rejected not just Newtown’s bid, but all eight expansion hopefuls.