‘Best years of his career’: Dragons sign Lachlan Ilias to replace Ben Hunt at halfback

The Dragons have landed on Ben Hunt’s replacement for the next two seasons after they signed a halfback who had fallen out of favour at his previous club.

Dragons coach Shane Flanagan says new recruit Lachlan Ilias is “coming into the best years of his career” after the halfback was officially granted a release by the Rabbitohs to sign with St George Illawarra for the next two seasons.

Ilias, 24, is set to replace Ben Hunt in the No.7 jersey after the former Dragons skipper was also granted an early release from his deal and is now expected to sign with the Broncos.

It’s a necessary move for Ilias who fell out of favour at Souths last season when he was dropped after the opening two rounds, having also been criticised for their loss to Penrith in the 2022 preliminary final for failing to control their attack.

Things only got worse for the halfback who then suffered a shocking leg injury in reserve grade that ended his year in April.

He now gets the chance for another crack in the halves alongside Kyle Flanagan, with Ilias’ job made easier by former South Sydney hooker Damien Cook also being at the Dragons.

Lachlan Ilias’ time at the Rabbitohs is over after he was granted an early release from his contract to sign with the Dragons. Picture: NRL Imagery

“It’s fantastic to have Lachlan join us at the Dragons,” Flanagan said.

“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, although they do have other options in Jack Wighton and Jamie Humphreys.

Ilias leaves the Rabbitohs after 53 games in the famous red and green jersey and won’t have to wait long for his South Sydney reunion, with the Dragons to host them in round 2.

Ilias will start at halfback for the Dragons after former skipper Ben Hunt was given permission to leave. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

“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.

“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.”

Originally published as ‘Best years of his career’: Dragons sign Lachlan Ilias to replace Ben Hunt at halfback