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Greg Alexander's advice for axed Dragons halfback
Charles Goodsir • April 29th, 2025 12:15 pm
St George Illawarra Dragons halfback Lachlan Ilias is set to be dropped for the club’s Magic Round clash against the Wests Tigers on Saturday.
Ilias joined the Dragons from the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the off-season but has failed to capture his best form. The 24-year-old struggled to inspire the Dragons attack in their 46-18 trouncing at the hands of the Sydney Roosters on ANZAC Day.
The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio believes Ilias will make way for youngster Lykhan King-Togia who will play his first game of the 2025 season.
“My understanding is that it will be Lykhan King-Togia partnering Kyle Flanagan in the halves,” Riccio told SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“I would think Flanagan will do the majority of the general play kicking.
“Ilias has taken a hit for what I feel is not so much his attack but his defence.
“There is just so much traffic being sent down Ilias’ edge and the (sheer amount) of results of opposition teams by targeting Ilias.
“I thought his comeback from his leg injury may have been a factor in his body position and his technique in defence.
“You can only keep going for so long without making changes and doing the same thing.”
Ilias ranks last amongst the Dragons playmakers for try assists (two) and line break assists (one).
SEN’s Greg Alexander sent a message to all struggling halves in the NRL that they should prioritise their running game in order to snap a form slump.
“What has let Lachlan Ilias down has been game management. Getting the Dragons the win when they’ve been in positions to win,” Alexander said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“He’s had some good games but they have been few and far between. It’s when he has run the ball.
“Running solves a lot of problems for a half. I know people will say focus on the one-percenters being the kicking game, organisation, your defence and chat which is all important too.
“Just run the ball because it will solve a lot of problems.”
The Dragons take on the Tigers at Magic Round on Saturday night.
