Dragons recruit Damien Cook has implored his current club to look towards his former side in their search for a Ben Hunt replacement.
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Hunt’s time at the Dragons came to an abrupt end in October, with the club now turning their attention towards replacing the veteran playmaker.
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While some reports have suggested Sharks half Daniel Atkinson could be the heir to Hunt’s Illawarra throne, Cook believes outcast Rabbitohs No.7 Lachlan Ilias could have the answers his new employers need.
Ilias was dropped to reserve grade early in the 2024 season, before suffering a horror leg break that kept him out for the remainder of the campaign. During this time it was announced the 24-year-old was free to negotiate with rival clubs, with Souths signing halves Lewis Dodd and Jamie Humphreys for 2025.
Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Cook believes Ilias’ NRL career is far from over.
“Souths weren’t travelling that well last season and Lachie copped a lot of that criticism, which was unfair,” he said.
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“I think Lachie is a great halfback. He’s a great defender, he’s still got plenty to learn, and he hasn’t had the chance to show what he’s capable of.”
Cook believes suggestions Ilias’ future lies outside the halves are misguided, stressing “he’s a halfback, not a hooker.”
“I’d love to see him at the Dragons. I’ve been in his ear.”
Signing Ilias, a true halfback, would allow Kyle Flanagan to retain his No.6 role, which saw him experience a mini renaissance last season.
One sticking point in Ilias’ move is the young halves love for the Redfern outfit, but Cook insisted “Lachie would love it at the Dragons.”
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