Gold Coast signing Lachlan Ilias commences pre-season training as he looks to rebuild NRL career following Dragons departure

Lachlan Ilias is looking to set the tone early with the Titans, arriving at pre-season training ahead of schedule as he looks to rebuild his faltering NRL career.

Gold Coast's Lachlan Ilias is ready to revive his NRL career. Picture: Titans

Dragons discard Lachlan Ilias has lobbed on the Gold Coast and begun rebuilding his NRL career at the Titans.

Ilias was spotted training at Gold Coast’s Parkwood headquarters in sweltering heat on Tuesday along with fellow new signing Max Feagai.

Feagai was released by the Dolphins this week to join the Titans immediately, as new Gold Coast coach Josh Hannay looks to boost his squad’s depth.

Ilias wasn’t required to commence training with the Titans for another week but arrived on the Gold Coast late last week following his split with St George Illawarra and has wasted no time following a turbulent year at the Dragons.

The 25-year-old playmaker is third in the pecking order of Titans halves behind Jayden Campbell and AJ Brimson, but hopes to force his way into the top team.

Ilias only made seven NRL appearances for the Dragons last season after falling out-of-favour with coach Shane Flanagan.

Gold Coast's Lachlan Ilias is ready to revive his NRL career. Picture: Titans

He is hoping to turn that around on the Gold Coast next year and add to his tally of 60 NRL games since his 2021 debut for South Sydney.

Feagai, 24, is another player searching for more NRL opportunities on the Gold Coast.

Having left the Dragons at the end of 2024, Feagai only managed eight games for the Dolphins last season.

The signing of Broncos star Selwyn Cobbo further clouded his future at Redcliffe and Feagai has headed down the highway for a shot at the Titans.

“It all came around pretty fast,” Feagai said.

“I don’t really know what to make of it, but I’m pretty excited for this opportunity.

“I’ve only been here a day and I’m loving it already. There’s more opportunity for myself.

“Redcliffe are pretty stacked in the outside backs, a lot of numbers coming through, as well as the boys that have already cemented their spot in the team.”

The Titans were low on centre options and Feagai will jostle with the likes of Brian Kelly, Jojo Fifita and Jaylan de Groot for a starting spot next year.

Feagai completed two days of fitness testing with the Dolphins last week and then did the same on his first day at the Titans on Tuesday.

“I spent two days there and it was just testing and then I came here for my first day of testing as well,” he said.

“I’m pretty unlucky. It was pretty hard, a lot different to the testing I did last week.

“The hour and a half drive down (from north Brisbane) didn’t help.

“I don’t think I can keep that up.

“I enjoyed my time at Reddy and I will miss the boys there.

“I’m just excited to be here with the Titans and see what we can do.”