Former St George Illawarra Dragons playmaker Lachlan Ilias has spoken publicly about the lingering frustration he still carries after his abrupt fall from first grade, admitting he remains “bitter” about how his time at the club ended. The young halfback, once viewed as one of the Dragons’ brightest long-term prospects, says the lack of another opportunity in the top squad left him stunned and disappointed.
Ilias, 24, was dropped from the Dragons’ NRL side earlier in the season after a difficult run of form, and despite strong efforts to regain his position, he was never recalled. Speaking candidly this week, he revealed that the experience left a mark that he is still processing.
“I tried to move on, but if I’m being honest, I’m still bitter,” Ilias said. “Everyone knows form goes up and down in this game. I just wanted another crack to prove myself. I felt I earned that chance – but it never came. S**t happens, I guess, but it still stings.”
The halfback, who had hoped to build a long-term future at the Dragons, admitted the situation shook his confidence but also pushed him to reset his mindset heading into his next chapter. Ilias said he continued training with intensity after being dropped, believing each week that his name would return to the first-grade list.
“When I got dropped, I kept my head down. I worked hard. I thought the call-up would come eventually,” he said. “But when it didn’t, that’s when it got tough. You start questioning things – yourself, your future, everything.”
Despite the disappointment, Ilias insisted he holds no grudges against his teammates and is choosing to take the experience as motivation rather than resentment. While he did not directly criticise the club’s coaching staff, he hinted that communication left him confused at times.
“I learned a lot about myself. I learned how quickly things can change in the NRL. But I also learned that I’m tougher than I thought,” he added.
With his departure from the Dragons now official, attention turns to what comes next. Several clubs are reportedly monitoring Ilias as a potential pick-up, particularly those seeking depth or competition in the halves. His youth, resilience and first-grade experience make him an intriguing option for teams looking to rebuild their spine.
For Ilias, the message is clear: he wants another chance — and he plans to make the most of it.
