Dragons sign Ben Hunt replacement in massive coup from Rabbitohs

After making the shocking decision to let go of Ben Hunt last month, the St George Illawarra Dragons have signed Rabbitohs’ Lachlan Ilias to be their new star halfback. The 24 year old has signed a two-year deal with St George Illawarra.

Dragons answer big question

Ben Hunt had been with the Dragons for nearly a decade. Despite his age, the halfback was still a key player for the Dragons. He scored four tries in 24 appearances for St George Illawarra last season.

However, Hunt made it clear that he did not want to be a part of the Dragons’ future. Reportedly, Hunt did not want to stay for yet another losing season with St George Illawarra. He allegedly wanted to leave so badly that gave up all of the remaining $950,000 on his contract to leave Dragons.

The betting sites predict Dragons will be the worst team in the NRL next season. PlayUp gives them the longest odds to win next year’s Grand Final, with just $51 chances. Part of the reason for these long odds is because Hunt left.

If they were going to close the gap between them and Tigers–the team with the second-longest odds–they would need to sign a new halfback. Now, it appears that the Dragons have got their new star.

Ilias a “fantastic” signing, says Flanagan

Okay, describing Lachlan Ilias as a star halfback might be a bit much.

The 24 year old was demoted to reserve grade at the start of last year before breaking his leg and having to sit out the rest of NRL season. Before that, Ilias wasn’t exactly a world-beater for the Rabbitohs. He famously was at the centre of Souths devastating 2022 preliminary final loss to Penrith.

With all that being said, Dragons boss Shane Flanagan says Ilias could be the player his club needs to avoid winning the Wooden Spoon next season.

“It’s fantastic to have Lachlan join us at the Dragons,” Flanagan said.

“He is coming into the best years of his career. His skill set complements our current squad and he joins the exciting group of players we have recruited ahead of the 2025 season.

“He is progressing well through his rehab and he will be ready to go for the trials. Lachlan joins a squad that is working hard and are committed to an improved 2025.

“We can’t wait for him to rip in with us,” Flanagan added.

When Ilias is fit and ready to “rip in” with the Dragons, the 24 year old will probably start alongside fellow youthful halfback Kyle Flanagan and his former South Sydney teammate Damien Cook. Rabbitohs, meanwhile, will rely on Englishman Lewis Dodd and the veteran Cody Walker as their halfback options next season.