Lachlan Ilias has hailed the ‘refreshing’ coaching of Josh Hannay, stands by criticism of Shane Flanagan
As he works to revive his career in the NRL, Lachlan Ilias has praised Gold Coast coach Josh Hannay and his approach, following a tumultuous season with the Dragons.
Titans recruit Lachlan Ilias has stood by his controversial comments about the Dragons and former coach Shane Flanagan after declaring he was ready to relaunch his NRL career on the Gold Coast.
Ilias will lean on Broncos premiership star Adam Reynolds for advice and is so determined to flourish on the Gold Coast that he reported for pre-season training at his new club a week ahead of his expected arrival.
He has been slogging it out under the searing Queensland sun this week after being buoyed by the faith shown in him by new Titans coach Josh Hannay.
Ilias, 25, had a challenging 2025 season at the Dragons after being dumped to reserve grade following seven NRL appearances at halfback to start the year.
Despite strong form in reserve grade, he was not recalled to St George Illawarra’s struggling NRL team for the remainder of the season as Flanagan retained his son Kyle Flanagan at halfback.
In a podcast with former NRL star Josh Mansour that went public this week, Ilias claimed he was treated unfairly at the Dragons.
“I don’t think I was given a fair opportunity to get back into the team after I was dropped,” he told Unscripted.
“I was doing everything I could, I don’t know if I could have done any more to get back into the team.
“I don’t think myself or other boys in the (NSW) Cup team were given a fair opportunity to get back into NRL.
“I’m not trying to talk shit about anything else, but I just think there were a few things that went wrong and I feel like the best team wasn’t picked week-in and week-out.
“(I am) a little bit bitter that I didn’t get a fair crack. I don’t think I had a fair opportunity to get back into the side. I did everything to put myself back into the team.”
In his first interview as a Titan on Thursday, Ilias said he stood by the comments about his turbulent year at the Dragons.
“I said what I said, that’s just the truth,” he said.
“I stand by what I said but I’m really looking forward to this year as a Titan.
“There was obviously ups and downs this year, but it’s all for the better.
“I’ve come to a really good environment with some great players and a great coach, so I’m really looking forward to this next journey.”
Ilias has been handed a lifeline by the Titans at a critical juncture in his career.
Ilias was building nicely at South Sydney during 2022-23 before a badly broken leg saw him limited to two games in 2024.
He moved to the Dragons this year but struggled to make a mark and spent most of the year in reserve grade.
Having fallen out-of-favour with Flanagan, Ilias sought a release to resurrect his 60-game NRL career on the Gold Coast and will be putting the heat on first-choice halves Jayden Campbell and AJ Brimson this pre-season.
“I’ve got complete faith (that I can play more NRL),” Ilias said.
“As tough as this year was, I’ve had a lot of lessons and it’s all for the better.
“I’m really looking forward to partnering up with all of these players here and building combinations and starting fresh.
“Josh has been really refreshing. I had a chat with him in the off-season and he just wanted me to be really calm and feel no pressure coming into the club.
“The way he communicates and speaks to all the boys and the way he talks in video (sessions), it’s just been unreal.
“It’s been so refreshing so far and I look forward to him being head coach this year.”
Ilias has wasted no time getting to know his new teammates and plans to lean on Broncos captain Adam Reynolds, his old mentor from South Sydney, for advice despite them now being M1 rivals.
“I was meant to come in next Wednesday but I moved up last Thursday and thought it’s a new club, I want to start early, I don’t want to be that guy that just rocks up late and doesn’t know any boys,” Ilias said.
“I thought I’d start early, get to know everyone and get on the front foot. I’ve been in Sydney all my life but me and my missus have both moved up here and we’re really looking forward to this next journey in our lives.
“Braith (Anasta, manager) has been a big part of my footy journey and Cody Walker (Souths five-eighth) has been unreal, as well as Adam Reynolds.
“I had a couple of years with ‘Reyno’ (at Souths). I still speak to him but he’s a busy man these days, he’s too busy winning comps (laughs).
“He’s always been a great mentor and guide to me, same with Cody. I always keep in touch. They’re great fellas and I really appreciate their time.”
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