'Disappointed' star seeking exit after Souths decision

Rabbitohs halfback Lachlan Ilias has been granted permission to negotiate with rival NRL clubs, his manager Braith Anasta has confirmed.

The 23-year-old, who was dropped by coach Jason Demetriou earlier this year, will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a broken leg in NSW Cup.

The playmaker has endured a rollercoaster start to his career at Redfern, but has shown glimpses of becoming an astute No.7 as his time in the top grade progresses.

With the club on the verge of securing English superstar Lewis Dodd for 2025 and beyond, Ilias has been left blindsided and will now be on the hunt for a new home.

Anasta – who manages the Souths young gun, as well as Cameron Munster – revealed on Monday night that Ilias was free to leave at the end of the year, but was “hurt” by the decision from his current club to sign another playmaker.

”I spoke to [chief executive] Blake Solly over the weekend … he is free to negotiate with clubs as we speak,” Anasta said on Fox League’s NRL 360.

“Of course he’s hurt. He is such an amazing kid … there was all this fanfare and drama around him being dropped, but he took it like a champion. He went about his business – unfortunately he broke his leg. He is disappointed because he loves the joint.

“He’s given his heart and soul to the place and he didn’t see it coming.”