‘It’s not his fault’: South Sydney players rally around Lachlan Ilias after the halfback was dropped for Friday’s local derby

South Sydney players have backed Lachlan Ilias to bounce back in a big way after he was dropped for Friday’s local derby against the Roosters.

Lachlan Ilias has been dropped following South Sydney’s poor start to the year, with Dean Hawkins to play halfback against the Roosters. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

South Sydney players have backed halfback Lachlan Ilias to bounce back in a big way after he was dropped for Friday’s local derby against the Roosters.

Ilias has paid the price for South Sydney’s poor start to the season with Dean Hawkins set to come into the side as the Rabbitohs look to end their winless run.

The Rabbitohs have struggled in back-to-back losses to the Sea Eagles and Broncos, with Ilias running the ball just six times and setting up one try in an attack that has looked a lot less threatening compared to the side that was tipped to win the title midway through the 2023 season.

Ilias also kicked the ball into teammate Tallis Duncan and lost a scrum in the game last week.

The 23-year-old has been a mainstay in the side since he replaced Adam Reynolds in 2022, and his teammates insist he hasn’t been made the scapegoat for their poor start.

Lachlan Ilias has been dropped for Friday’s game against the Roosters. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

“The responsibility for our results hasn’t fallen on his shoulders at all and it shouldn’t be put that way at all because it’s not his fault,” skipper Cameron Murray said, with Ilias likely to play NSW Cup on Friday evening.

“The unfortunate part of this game is you can only pick 17 players and it’s proof that nobody’s really safe; if you’re not playing your best footy, you’re not going to be in that side.

“I’m not saying that Lachie’s not playing his best footy, I’m saying that ‘Deano’ has earned that opportunity.”

With Ilias out, Hawkins will get the chance to shine in the No.7 jersey and show off the skills that saw him crowned the NSW Cup player of the year in 2023.

“Deano’s put his best foot forward and he had a cracking year last year in reserve grade,” new recruit Jack Wighton said.

“Lachie’s going to bounce back. He’s a true professional, he’s an unbelievable player in my eyes.

“He’s a young superstar. The hard times make the good times better, and he knows that.”

Jack Wighton won’t be rushed into the halves. Picture: Jonathan Ng

There were calls for Wighton to slot straight into the halves to partner Cody Walker, but the former Raiders five-eighth poured cold water on that idea.

“I’m here to do whatever the team needs me to do and at that moment it’s play left centre,” he said.

“That’s what I’m really excited to do.”

The Rabbitohs will be desperate to bounce back against the Roosters on Friday night, with all eyes on Latrell Mitchell who will be fired up as usual against his former club.

Mitchell has come under fire for repeatedly swearing during a radio interview following the loss to Brisbane which has prompted the club to set up a swear jar even though the fullback avoided any sanction from the NRL.

The Rabbitohs have set up a swear jar after Latrell Mitchell’s controversial interview. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“I didn’t see too much wrong with it, to be honest,” Murray said.

“Trell is Trell and I think what we do at this club really well is empower people to be themselves.

“I know if he had his time again, he’d probably be a little bit more selective about the words he chose but that’s what happens when you grab somebody whose emotions are still running high 30 seconds after the final siren’s gone.

“I know he didn’t mean any harm by it and I think it’s unfair to judge him and his character off that one interview (by) itself. He does a lot of other great things for the community and for us here.

“I’m not too aware of some of the other comments that are being thrown around him. As far as I’m concerned, I didn’t see too much wrong with it.

“I know he’s a passionate man and I know all he wants to do is win. They’re two pretty good attributes that I think Latrell has, and they’re things that I’ll always back and stand by Latrell.”