Based on the little I've seen, and by many comments I've read from Souths supporters, Lachlan Illias really showed his lack of form last night. With no Latrell, it left Cody Walker as the lone ball player in the side which made it a lot easier for the Roosters defence to stifle Souths attack as Cook and Taafe/Johnston ae more ball runners than ball players. Latrell, despite some of the flaws in his game, is the other noted playmaker in the Souths side, so without him, Illias was shown up for his poor form.
People earlier in tghe year criticised Trent Robinson for dropping Sam Walker to NSW Cup. However look how he came back from it. Since returning from his injury, Sam's form has been outstanding. Maybe Jason Demetriou should have done the same with Illias earlier in the season to try and shake him out of his poor form, rather than just persevere with him all season. That might be more indicative of where things went wrong for Souths over the back half of the season.