NRL news 2022: Lachlan Ilias garnishes key support in chase for Adam Reynolds’ jumper

Aspiring to become the first player in a decade to be anointed South Sydney’s long-term halfback, rising star Lachlan Ilias knows he has two special mates at his side for the next chapter.

Aspiring to become the first player in a decade to be anointed South Sydney’s long-term halfback, Lachlan Ilias say it would “mean the world” to him to follow in the footsteps of arguably the Rabbitohs’ greatest number seven.

And Ilias, 21, won’t have to look too far at the club for support — his two best mates will be right there alongside him.

Souths coach Jason Demetriou will give Ilias first crack at replacing Adam Reynolds — Souths’ halfback for the past 10 years — in his side’s trial match against North Queensland in Cairns on Saturday night.

While favourite to be named halfback, Ilias is predicting a full-blown internal battle to secure the playmaking spot for the club’s round one match against Brisbane.

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South Sydney young guns Blake Taaffe, Lachlan Ilias and Peter Mamouzelos. Picture: Sunny Brar

Ilias has the backing of his two great mates — Souths fullback Blake Taaffe and 21-year-old hooker Peter Mamouzelos.

“The three of them are inseparable,” said Souths CEO, Blake Solly.

Ilias outlined what the Souths’ number seven jersey would mean to him on and off the field.

“There is a lot of history, not only in the club, but in the number seven jumper at Souths,” Ilias told The Daily Telegraph from Cairns.

“It would mean the world (to be named at halfback), it would mean everything. They are big shoes to fill.

“But it’s more than just wearing the seven jumper. There is a lot of responsibility. You’re not only representing the jumper, but also the club, your family, friends, supporters and members, who are second-to-none in the league.

“It’s much more than just putting on the jumper and playing 80 minutes. ‘Reyno’ did a great job for the club for the past decade and has really left a good foundation.

“All the halves are putting their best foot forward. I wouldn’t call it my jumper. The seven jumper is there for whoever is training well; whoever is playing the best is going to wear that seven.

“It will come down to the team and coaches. Everyone is on the same page. It’s been positive. All the halves — myself, Dean Hawkins and Jack Campagnolo — have all been working really hard. I think Cody (Walker) has been really happy with all of us.

Taaffe, Ilias and Mamouzelos first became mates when helping Souths win the 2019 Jersey Flegg grand final. Picture: Sunny Brar

“We are making ourselves better by pushing each other. We are all in the same boat, we haven’t played many NRL games and are all trying to develop for the season ahead. It’s a good opportunity this weekend for us younger boys to play some good footy and have a good crack.

“Every chance I can get, to play with Pete and ‘Taff’, whatever grade it is, it is always something special to play with your mates who you’ve come to the club and developed with. We’re really close. We have come through together. We hang out together.”

Mamouzelos, listening and learning every week off the club’s premier hooker, Damien Cook, spoke about Ilias’ drive and temperament.

“I will back him 100 per cent. He just slots in and doesn’t look out of place at all. And he plays very much like ‘Reyno’. He steers everyone around the park, is a really good communicator and a really good kicker,” Mamouzelos said.

“To be honest, I know ‘Reyno’ is a really good player, but I think with Lachie, it’s his time now and I think he will come in and do a really great job. There is always going to be a bit of pressure around it. He knows that and all the boys back him. I feel that’s all he really cares about. He doesn’t mind the pressure. We will all get a game together on the weekend.”

Mamouzelos, Taaffe and Ilias first became mates when helping Souths win the 2019 Jersey Flegg grand final.

“We always go for lunch — sometimes at the Clovelly Hotel — or go for a game of golf at The Coast, near La Perouse. Whenever we go for a beer we always call each other. We are pretty close,” Mamouzelos said.

“’Lachie’ always wins golf. He’s a gun, really good. I’m not sure what he plays off but he’s definitely better than me and ‘Taff’. We have good banter, we take the piss out of each other.

“When we first came into grade, we were pretty shy and obviously looked up to a lot of the boys. They were our heroes. We came together because we were too shy to talk to anyone else so we became best mates.”

Mamouzelos said he was anxious to finally play on Saturday after a gruelling off-season.

“I am very hungry for it,” he said.

“I’ve had a good pre-season and Saturday night is another chance to show what I can provide to the team.

“If I’m called in during the season I would obviously put my hand up and do the best job I can for the team.”

Originally published as NRL news 2022: Lachlan Ilias garnishes key support in chase for Adam Reynolds’ jumper