Lachlan Ilias the halfback Knights want to replace Hastings

Adam O’Brien and the Knights have made inroads with wanted South Sydney Rabbitoh Lachlan Illias, with Newcastle general manager Peter Parr already confirming the approach this week.

Young halfback Ilias, 24, has been told by South Sydney that he can find another NRL club, with the Rabbitohs having already signed St Helens playmaker Lewis Dodd as the flagship star to lead Wayne Bennett’s 2025 Bunnies.

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The Knights near-instantly began plotting how they could bring Ilias to the Hunter, with that desire only growing as incumbent number seven Jackson Hastings continues to struggle in red and blue. Feelings within Newcastle’s camp have firmed against Jackson Hastings recently.

While they’ve confirmed nothing publicly—and Parr has been coy about interest—The Sporting Base has heard the Knights are eager to plug Ilias in as soon as round one next season.

“We’ve been discussing what we might look like in the future,” Parr said when asked about the approach this week. “Adam Doyle, our recruitment manager, had a meeting with Braith. There’s nothing concrete at this stage. No offer has been made. Jackson’s our halfback at the moment. He’s here until the end of next year.”

The only real roadblocks the Knights would face will be other interested NRL parties. The Rabbitohs are very happy to let Ilias go despite him being signed through to 2025, but the Canterbury Bulldogs could make a play for the 24-year-old soon too.

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Ilias is recovering from a broken leg sustained while playing NSW Cup. He is expected to return in the latter rounds of the 2024 season, though he’ll stay in reserve grade when he’s back.