Shock Ilias snub to kickstart five-club feeding frenzy

The halfback market is typically barren at the best of times, but suddenly an NRL-quality playmaker is available and it could spark a bidding frenzy.

South Sydney has told Lachlan Ilias he is free to leave at season’s end, having been axed from first grade by embattled coach Jason Demetriou in the early rounds.

While that in itself is not a glowing advertisement of his ability, it shouldn’t be forgotten Ilias was earmarked as the long-term Rabbitohs No.7 and was the reason they cut ties with premiership pivot Adam Reynolds two years ago.

The 23-year-old has talent and there is more than one club in need of a quality long-term playmaker.

Ilias’ manager Braith Anasta agreed on Monday night “there’s a lot of teams who could do with a half at the moment” and claimed there is already “low-level interest” in his client’s services.

Ilias is out injured for the remainder of 2024 after breaking his leg playing NSW Cup earlier this month.

But these are the clubs who could be circling for his signature from 2025 onwards.

Newcastle has three or four playmakers already on the books and none of them have successfully cemented a spot in the NRL side this year.