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Ilias-Hastings swap deal off the cards
South Sydney halfback Lachlan Ilias has informed coach Wayne Bennett of his intention to stay at the club despite the Newcastle Knights showing interest in his services for next year.
Lachlan Ilias is staying put, for now.CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
The Knights and Rabbitohs held discussions about a potential swap deal that would have seen Jackson Hastings reunite with former Great Britain coach Bennett at South Sydney, paving the way for Ilias to head to the Knights.
Bennett was open to the idea, having worked with Hastings in the Great Britain side in 2019, but was not going to push to remove Ilias from the club despite the halfback requesting permission to explore his options elsewhere.
Ilias, who is much loved by his South Sydney teammates, called Bennett on Wednesday to get an understanding of where he stood, given the arrival of St Helens playmaker Lewis Dodd in 2025.
The Rabbitohs coach said he was happy for him to remain at the club and fight for his position, but would start behind Dodd in the pecking order. He also told Ilias that he could be used as a hooker. Ilias then informed Bennett of his desire to stay.
Reading that article it sounds like the pecking order for the 7 jersey is
1. Dodd
2. Illias
3. Humphreys
Will be interesting to see how he goes.