NRL trials 2022: Dragons defeat Rabbitohs in Charity Shield as coach defends Lachlan Ilias-Adam Reynolds comparisons
Jason Demetriou has attempted to hose down the hype of new halfback Lachlan Ilias’ Round 1 showdown with his predecessor Adam Reynolds. FIND OUT WHY.
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For the first time in his life, Lachlan Ilias will take on Adam Reynolds without looking for a lesson.
Maybe he still gets one, though.
Who knows?
Yet as South Sydney’s newest No.7 prepares to face the old one in a blockbuster season opener, it seems Ilias versus Reynolds is a big yarn to everyone but the kid himself.
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As the countdown to his anticipated Round One Suncorp Showdown showdown with Brisbane – and new Broncos skipper Reynolds — continues, Ilias has spoken about his shared history with the Redfern favourite, and why comparisons between the pair are undeniable.
While Reynolds was rested from the weekend’s trials, he is expected to be ready for his old club in a fortnight — and the young halfback he has effectively mentored to replace him.
While new Souths coach coach Jason Demetriou has branded comparisons between the two “irrelevant”, 21-year-old Ilias suggests he is better prepared to face his mentor in round one because of the countless times it has already happened at Redfern Oval.
More than simply preparing Reynolds for NRL games during opposed sessions, Ilias says he would use every encounter to intently study his opposite’s footwork, kicking choices, even the way he talked.
“I would study his ball playing, his communication … when he kicked I was always looking at what type of kicks he did in different situations,” Ilias revealed.
“Even when I was attacking I’d study how Reyno was defending. How he was connected with that right side.
“I was learning both sides of the ball.”
So as for now being ready for the real thing in a fortnight?
“It’s come quick but there’s still a lot we can learn a lot in these 12 days,” he said.
“I think we’re going to be really good for Round One and I can’t wait for the opportunity.
“The Souths coaching staff and Cody Walker have been massive for me. Just saying to play a simple game.”
While Ilias only played 60 minutes in Saturday night’s Charity Shield loss against St George Illawarra, his performance drew strong reviews from both Dragons No.7 Ben Hunt and Fox Sports commentator Greg Alexander.
The latter even praised the way Ilias took the ball deep into the defensive line, and compared his fearlessness to that of the gutsy playmaker he was replacing.
Yet when quizzed afterwards of similarities between Ilias and Reynolds, South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou described it as “irrelevant”.
“Lachlan Ilias is Lachlan Ilias,” he deadpanned.
“Adam Reynolds is Adam Reynolds. I’m not here to talk about Adam Reynolds anymore.
“That talk is irrelevant to me. It’s about Lachlan Ilias. He plays how he plays. If that’s similar, they’re similar.”
Ilias, however, suggested he was keen to follow Reynolds’ lead in several areas, even if digging deep into the line against Dragons saw him whacked by prop George Burgess.
“I got whacked a few times,” the Bunnies playmaker grinned.
“But that’s a good thing because it means I’m digging into the line.
“And it doesn’t hurt. So I just have to keep digging in.
“If I’m getting hit, it means there is more space on the outside if I can hit a short ball.
“I think it’s a good sign if I’m getting hit.”
While Ilias was solid, if not spectacular in the Bunnies Charity Shield loss in a decade, he received praise afterwards from Hunt for a kicking game which resulted in a rare 20/40.
“I thought he was excellent,” Hunt said. “Especially his kicking game.
“We trained all week and thought Cody (Walker) would do the majority of the kicking.
“But the kid came out and had some excellent kicks, turned us around, got a 20/40.
“If he keeps playing like that, just keeps it simple and kicks well he is going to go a long way.”
SLOAN STARS AS DRAGONS SLAY CHARITY SHIELD HOODOO
St George Illawarra young gun Tyrell Sloan has delivered a serious whack to his side’s ‘‘wooden spooners’’ tag — while also ending a Charity Shield hoodoo stretching 10 years with a 16-10 victory.
On a night that was supposed to be all about South Sydney’s new No. 7, it was instead the 19-year-old Dragons fullback who announced himself as Generation Now.
Better, the Dragons also looked far more promising than a side currently sitting above only Wests Tigers in wooden spoon betting as they ended a run of nine straight Charity Shield losses.
While new Rabbitohs halfback Lachlan Ilias went only 60 minutes in his first major showing as Adam Reynolds’ replacement — succumbing to cramps midway through the second half — Dragons No. 1 Sloan was in everything bar the Mudgee beer queue.
Apart from having a key hand in the Dragons first two tries, the teen almost bagged as many himself.
While coach Anthony Griffin would not confirm if he had beaten Cody Ramsey to the No. 1 jersey for round one, he praised the youngster’s “instinctive” game.
“He’s got that instinctive play,” Griffin said. “His attack was good and he organised our line a lot better tonight.
“They’re a hard team to play against. They executive so well with Cody Walker.
“We let in one soft try but apart from that they only pulled us apart once which was good.”
HUNT SHINES
Dragons No. 7 Ben Hunt was also outstanding for a team who have already made headlines over summer for being such short odds to claim the NRL spoon.
Apart from playing a lead hand for the Dragons in attack, Hunt also booted a timely 40/20 and on at least two occasions made big defensive plays on his own tryline.
Despite being signed at Wollongong until the end of 2023, more performances like this one will ensure the playmaker remains a genuine target for the Redcliffe coach Wayne Bennett.
HOODOO BUSTERS
While South Sydney were without Cameron Murray and Latrell Mitchell, the Dragons were missing Tariq Sims and Moses Mbye, both of whom Griffin hopes will be fit in a fortnight.
The coach also revealed there were no concerns with Zac Lomax, despite the Dragons centre leaving the field shortly before halftime and not returning.
Before this year, the Red V had lost nine straight in the pre-season blockbuster and all four clashes at country footy’s premier ground, Glen Willow Stadium.
Asked about the Dragons having lost nine straight in the Charity Shield, the coach smiled: “Yeah, I heard that.
“This time last year we got done by 50. Everyone was saying that it was more than a trial and read too much into it. And maybe it’s the same tonight.
“But it’s nice to win and it is a bit more than a trial for both clubs. That’s way I thought the first 40 minutes was good.”
So as for bookmakers putting you ahead of only Wests Tigers in spoon betting? “You’ll have to talk to the bookies about that,” he shrugged. “They frame the markets. Not me.”
REPLACING REYNO
Undoubtedly, the biggest question facing South Sydney in 2022 is this: What sort of No. 7 will Lachlan Ilias be?
With club favourite Reynolds having joined Brisbane, Ilias was solid in his first game, mixing a strong kicking game with a couple of errors, however, he also produced a highlight reel 20/40 kick early.
The youngster also showed a willingness to adopt Reynolds’ trait of playing deep into the line, however that did result in at least one thumping from new Dragon George Burgess.
Certainly though, the performance was one of promise for Rabbitohs fans.
BITS & PIECES
Dragons winger Cody Ramsey has to be in the running for best finish of the NRL pre-season thanks to his leaping, twisting, contorting put down in the left corner after just six minutes.
Ramsey also spent some time at fullback in the first half, switching with Sloan, and by halftime went to the break with 76m against his name – the most of any player on the field.
Elsewhere, Dragon Jaiyden Hunt could be in some trouble after being sin binned for a late hit on Rabbitohs centre Campbell Graham in the first half.
Souths prop Tom Burgess was also binned for what appeared to be a deliberate offside.
Dragons give Flanagan keys to their future
By David Riccio
Premiership-winning coach Shane Flanagan has returned to the Dragons.
In a strategic move by Saints, Flanagan will have a say on the future of the club’s biggest stars, appointed as the club’s list management consultant.
In a St George-Illawarra club statement, it has been revealed Flanagan, who has previously worked with former coach Paul McGregor as an assistant coach at the Dragons, will commence his consultancy role with immediate effect.
Dragons general manager of football Ben Haran said Flanagan’s focus will sit firmly on the strengthening of the club’s NRL and development player squads.
“To have someone of Shane’s calibre return to the Dragons will only complement our football program, particularly in the dynamic environment that is list management,” Haran said.
“Shane will work closely with the club’s recruitment and retention committee to ensure the Dragons’ list remains competitive for many years to come.
“In my time previously working with Shane he clearly demonstrated his vast rugby league knowledge and connections throughout the game. We look forward to him returning to the Dragons.”
Ian Milward will remain at the Red V as Pathways Director; overseeing all recruitment and retention activities pertinent to the Dragons Academy, junior representative and external pathways.
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