George Gregan, after typing Lachlan Ilias’ name into his phone, was transported back nearly three decades.
The stakes weren’t as high as when Gregan pulled off the try saver to end all try savers, that tackle to deny Jeff Wilson to decide the Bledisloe Cup in 1994, but Ilias’ effort last weekend brought a smile to the former Wallaby’s face.
“He’s done a great job there and came up with the fruit,” Gregan said from the United Kingdom.
“If you do that another 100 times, you might not get it, but it’s one of those ones where you have to put yourself in that position. Well played.”
In case you missed it, Ilias did his best Gregan impersonation for South Sydney in Saturday’s win over Cronulla. The halfback looked no chance of preventing Ronaldo Mulitalo from planting down the ball but made the extra effort just in case.
“I saw the ball was in his right hand and I tried to make a play at it,” Ilias said.
“Wingers are good finishers, you never expect to actually [stop them from that close]. It is what it is, Mulitalo probably scores that nine [times] out of 10.”
This was the time he didn’t. Ilias dislodged the ball to deny the noted try-scoring winger. Moments later, the halfback scores at the other end of the field, effectively a 12-point turnaround.
Those efforts drew Ilias praise from not only coach Jason Demetriou but also the club’s highest-profile fan, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“Top start to season 2023 from @SSFCRABBITOHS #NRLSharksRabbitohs - great game from Lachlan Ilias #SSTID,” Albanese Tweeted.
Lachlan Ilias and George Gregan pull off amazing trysavers.Credit: YouTube, Twitter
The Herald then contacted Gregan for comment, who was happy to oblige after googling Ilias’ highlights.
“I just love all sports and I love it when you see that bit of extra effort, to put themselves in those positions to make that kind of tackle,” said Gregan, whose company PTP Fitness works with the Rabbitohs.
“That’s what I like because it’s easy to drop off and not be there.
“He’s obviously worked really hard off the ball and done his job. I played a little bit of league when I was very young and that is kind of your role as that sweep person; along with your fullback, you try to help out.
“I’m sure he will do more of it, there’s probably an expectation that he pulls those off more often than not.
“That’s a reward for hard work. He looks like he has some great talent, he looked like a veteran.”
Gregan’s tackle is one of the most iconic moments in Australian sport. It’s not something the former Wallabies captain talks about often, but Ilias’ work brought the memories back.
“That was a long time ago,” Gregan said of the Wilson tackle. “I’m turning 50 this year, you’re getting me to stretch back my memory, I think I was only 21 at that stage.
“It’s nice anytime you get referenced.”
Wallabies legend George Gregan.Credit: Getty
Ilias’ efforts against Cronulla could be the making of him. The debate over whether the Rabbitohs erred in not retaining Adam Reynolds will likely continue for years, but Saturday’s display indicates why the club is comfortable with the youngster at the helm.
The 22-year-old will get another opportunity to gauge his game when he goes up against Penrith superstar Nathan Cleary on Thursday night. In their previous meeting, last year’s preliminary final, the Rabbitohs held a 12-0 advantage before the Panthers scored an unanswered 32 points en route to grand final glory.
It was a masterclass in halfback play as Cleary took control in a huge game when momentum was against his side. The lesson wasn’t lost on Ilias.
“Obviously, he’s the best halfback in the comp, the best No.7,” Ilias said.
“He takes control of the team, and it’s something I’m trying to take on board and get confidence out of as well.
Lachlan Ilias has taken his game to a new level.Credit: SMH
“I’m surrounded by good people, I don’t need to take control like he does. I’ve got Cody [Walker] and Cookie [Damien Cook] that can do that as well. I just have to play my role and do what I have to for the team.”
After just one round, the 2023 evolution in the game of Ilias and Souths is evident. The Rabbitohs possess the most potent left-edge attack in the game, but against Cronulla they made all their inroads down the right. It resulted from Ilias combining with Keaon Koloamatangi and Campbell Graham, providing another point of attack for coach Jason Demetriou’s side.
“Everyone puts a lot of emphasis on our left edge, and it’s one of the best left edges in the comp, but we take that as a challenge as a right edge,” Ilias said.
“It motivates us at training to get better and be our best. People stack our left edge and it gives us opportunities on our right.”
Ilias’ development has impressed Demetriou.
“I’m just seeing him confident and knowing his role,” Demetriou said.
“He’s really clear. His evolution has been there for everyone to see, but it’s still early days. He’s still got plenty of improvement in him, and for me that’s what’s exciting.”
Stream the NRL Premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now.
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.