Dragons on the verge of signing Hunt replacement, Lodge on Rabbitohs radar
Updated November 22, 2024 — 8.07pmfirst published November 18, 2024 — 11.25am
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St George Illawarra are on the verge of replacing former skipper Ben Hunt after putting South Sydney playmaker Lachlan Ilias through a second medical examination on Friday afternoon.
It comes as the Rabbitohs have held discussions about potentially reuniting coach Wayne Bennett with prop forward Matt Lodge if Ilias departs South Sydney.
The Dragons have identified Ilias as the replacement for Hunt but want to make sure they do their due diligence on the No.7 after he suffered a horrific leg injury playing NSW Cup last season.
Ilias had a medical examination with the Dragons last weekend but was asked to return on Friday afternoon to undergo an X-ray on the leg injury that saw him taken straight to hospital after suffering the blow at Accor Stadium.
The Dragons had been hopeful of getting Daniel Atkinson from Cronulla however they wanted a halfback for this season to partner Kyle Flanagan in the halves.
Atkinson has 12 months to run on his deal at Cronulla on a low salary with the Sharks indicating to his management that they had no intention of releasing him early.
While Wests Tigers utility Adam Doueihi also underwent a medical assessment with the Dragons, it appears Ilias will join the club after he went through a second examination.
Ilias, who trained with South Sydney earlier in the day, could sign his deal with the Dragons as early as next week with his agent Braith Anasta set to return from holidays in Bali on Monday.
The Dragons are awaiting final medical clearance from his final X-ray before formalising the deal. The Rabbitohs have agreed to contribute part of Ilias’ approximate $500,000 contract.
He has fallen out of favour at South Sydney, with the club signing St Helens No.7 Lewis Dodd for 2025. His expected departure from South Sydney will open up a roster spot at the Rabbitohs. They currently have 30 registered players - the maximum each club can sign.
Bennett has discussed bringing the uncontracted Lodge to the club to add some starch to the forward pack. The veteran coach handed Lodge a career lifeline in 2018, signing him at the Broncos after the incident that saw him locked up in an American prison.