St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan explains why he axed Lachie Ilias
St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan says playmaker Lachie Ilias will return to the top grade, but he has high hopes for his replacement Lyhkan King-Togia this weekend.
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St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan has backed Lachie Ilias to make a return to the top grade after axing his playmaker to reserve grade.
Ilias has paid the price for the Dragons’ poor Anzac Day showing against the Roosters but Flanagan stopped short of calling his halfback the scapegoat.
Instead he indicated the ex-Rabbitoh could find his way back into the top grade.
“It’s a tough one,” Flanagan said. “It’s one you don’t want to have to make, telling players they aren’t in the first grade team.
“I just thought Lachie was down in a bit of confidence. He is a first grade halfback. He needs to go find some form and confidence. He has had a lot of time out.
“He didn’t have a great pre-season because he was still recovering. He’ll be back.
“He was one of many that didn’t turn up (against the Roosters). There could’ve been a lot of others. I felt we needed a change. We’ve gone that way.
“Whether it’s the right way or wrong way, we’ll find out.”
Instead of taking on the Tigers at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, Ilias will play reserve grade against Western Suburbs at Lidcombe Oval on Sunday.
Flanagan said Ilias needed to find some confidence in NSW Cup.
“He is trying hard,” Flanagan said. “His kicking has been good. He has a really good attitude. No one wants to get dropped. We’ll see him again.”
What Ilias’ demotion has done has provided teenage half Lyhkan King-Togia an opportunity to cement himself in the top grade.
The 19-year-old – who inked a two-year contract extension with the Dragons last month – had a taste of NRL experience last year.
He started just one of his four games in the top grade.
“Lyhkan has been playing really well for five or six weeks,” Flanagan said.
“He deserves his shot.
“He doesn’t get overexcited or show frustration. He will handle it really well.”
Kyle Flanagan is expected to shoulder the organising responsibilities.
“Kyle always has responsibility,” Shane said.
“He will do his job. His role will change a little bit.”
The Dragons are still smarting from arguably their worst performance of the season in their loss to the Roosters which ended their two game winning run.
Last year the Dragons were blown away at times during matches.
“Only one of them this year,” Flanagan said.
“We’ve been in the fight every game – that’s what you ask of your footy team. It’s a new team. We’ve had some hiccups.
“Our halfback, marquee front-rower and Origin winger (all left). All these things take some time. I’ve been happy with our commitment and attitude.
“We have to go (Brisbane) and prove that it’s something of the past and not the future.”
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